31010 ST — Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook
At-a-Glance Summary
The Mustad-Atlantic 31010 ST is a tinned saltwater and bait hook manufactured by O. Mustad & Son in Norway during the mid-20th century. This size 3/0 specimen follows Mustad’s marketed “Limerick Hook” designation and displays the angular bend geometry commonly associated with industrial Limerick-pattern saltwater hooks of the era. The straight ring eye and relatively heavy wire are characteristic features of Mustad’s post-war saltwater production.
The hook carries the original green-label retail card identifying the model as “Qual. 31010 ST,” with “Superior” point designation and “Cadm. & Tin.” finish notation. The surviving packaging and hook configuration are consistent with Mustad export-market production from approximately the 1950s through early 1970s.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | mustad |
| Model / Code | 31010 ST |
| Full Name | Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook |
| Size Documented | No. 3/0 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1950-1970 |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Straight / Ringed Eye |
| Wire Gauge | Heavy (1X Heavy) |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) — forged construction confirmed |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Limerick |
| Point Style | Superior (near-straight inner taper) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Finish | Tinned — Inferred (photographically likely) |
| Condition | Specimen hooks are bright with no observable corrosion or patina. Tinned finish shows minor surface scratching consistent with handling and age, but plating integrity appears complete. Card shows light tan toning and minor creasing at edges; green label is fully legible with no fading or water damage. Two hooks appear to be missing from the original 100-count card (98 present), consistent with typical incomplete vintage card finds. Overall condition: Very Good. |
The superior point design uses a near-straight inner taper from barb to tip, creating a moderately acute angle and a relatively flat inner face. This geometry provides good hook-setting efficiency and is less prone to blunting than hollow points when used with hard-mouthed saltwater species or tough bait presentations. The forged shank and heavy wire gauge (approximately 0.045″-0.055″) deliver strength for larger baits and abrasion resistance in rocky or kelp-filled saltwater environments. The ringed eye (straight ring) provides a simple, strong connection point with minimal snag risk — a pragmatic design choice for working-tackle users.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 3/0. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.53"-1.57" (~38.9-39.9 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~1.03"-1.07" (~26.2-27.2 mm) |
| Gap Width | ~0.48"-0.52" (~12.2-13.2 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~0.85"-0.95" (~21.6-24.1 mm) |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.045"-0.055" (~1.14-1.40 mm) |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~2.1 : 1 |
| Weight | Not available |
Measurements derived from physical caliper verification provided by researcher (overall length 1.55", gap width 0.50"); grid squares used to verify consistency and estimate unconfirmed dimensions (bend depth, wire diameter). Grid calibration: confirmed 1.55" overall length spans 15.5 small grid squares (0.1" per square). Photographic measurements show excellent alignment and high confidence. Range widths reflect normal measurement uncertainty (±0.02") rather than grid-alignment ambiguity. Recommend confirmation with calipers for high-precision applications.
No record-setting dimensions or specifications. This is a standard-production variant of a common model.
Historical Context
mustad
O. Mustad & Son was founded in 1832 in Gjovik, Norway, and became one of the world’s largest hook manufacturers by the mid-20th century. The company’s industrial capacity and international distribution network allowed them to dominate the saltwater and commercial fishing hook markets. During the 1950s-1970s, Mustad’s Oslo and Gjovik factories operated at peak production, exporting to retailers, tackle shops, and sporting goods companies across North America, the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. The tinned and cadmium-plated finishes used on the 31010 line reflect Mustad’s investment in corrosion-resistant coating technologies, marking a shift from older bronzed and blued finishes toward modernized saltwater specifications.
Series History
The Mustad-Atlantic line represents Mustad’s branded product family sold through sporting goods retailers and department stores in North America. The 31010 ST variant (Superior point, Tinned finish) was introduced during the 1950s as part of a broader product rationalization effort, assigning model codes to specific point/finish combinations. The “Quality” designation on the packaging reflects Mustad’s competitive positioning against Partridge, Allcock, and British Redditch makers — the term indicated reliable industrial production and rust-resistant finishes for working anglers. The model remained in production through the 1960s and likely into the early 1970s, when barcode labeling began replacing hand-written price markings on tackle cards. No documented successor code is currently recorded; the model appears to have been discontinued as Mustad’s product line consolidated in the 1970s.
Named Collaborator
Not applicable — no named designer is credited on this model.
Era and Packaging Dating
No barcode present — strong pre-1974 indicator. Green-label packaging uses offset print method with sharp, consistent color registration typical of 1950s-1970s production. The price marking visible on the packaging (25¢ handwritten on kraft paper label) is consistent with mid-1960s retail pricing. The typography and ornamental border design on the green label match Mustad catalogs and sales literature from c. 1955-1965. The notation 'Cadm. & Tin.' and 'Made in Norway' on the label reflects post-war quality-marking practices, indicating production after 1950. The overall condition and packaging style (cardstock construction, paper quality, ink saturation) align with Mustad's documented mid-century product runs. Conservative dating: c. 1955-1970, with highest probability c. 1960-1968.
The 'Cadm. & Tin.' notation on this card documents a significant industrial shift in hook finishing. Cadmium plating was widely adopted by Mustad and other manufacturers after World War II as the standard for saltwater hooks. The underlying science was sound: cadmium creates an extremely corrosion-resistant barrier superior to simple tinning or nickling alone. However, what seemed like a permanent solution became problematic decades later when environmental and occupational health concerns about cadmium emerged in the 1970s-1990s. By the 2000s, cadmium plating was restricted or banned in many countries. Today, collectors of vintage hooks from this era hold specimens treated with a process that is no longer permitted in many manufacturing contexts — making these mid-century Mustad cards inadvertent documents of industrial chemistry transitions.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Limerick bend family developed during the 19th century as one of several prominent British Isles hook forms used for bait, salmon, and sea-fishing applications. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, manufacturers such as Mustad adapted these traditional profiles into standardized industrial production patterns. The 31010 ST reflects Mustad’s mid-century interpretation of the marketed “Limerick Hook” style, combining an angular bend profile with heavy saltwater-oriented wire construction and a straight ring eye. As with many industrial-era Mustad patterns, the geometry blends characteristics seen across classic Limerick and related saltwater hook forms rather than strictly following early hand-forged Redditch-era proportions.
Related Models — mustad
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 31010 ST (this entry) | Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook, size 3/0, tinned, superior point, straight ring — this model | This model |
| 31010 SB | Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook, similar specifications but bright steel finish (unplated) | Variant |
| 92620 | Mustad Beak Hook — later-era Mustad saltwater line, different bend family | Later / successor |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The 31010 ST was designed for saltwater bait fishing and commercial fishing applications where strength and corrosion resistance were paramount. The heavy-gauge wire and tinned finish made it suitable for casting live and dead baits for striped bass, bluefish, larger catfish, and other hard-fighting saltwater species. The straight-ring eye facilitated quick line attachment, and the Limerick bend provided reliable hook-setting and reduced line-twist — critical features when deploying multiple baits or working in strong current. The superior point (near-straight inner taper) delivered moderate penetration without the edge bluntness risk of hollow points when fishing tough-mouthed prey.
Secondary Applications
Light saltwater spinning and conventional casting; large freshwater bait presentations for pike and muskie (in regions where the model was available)
Classic Fly Patterns
Not typically used for fly tying.
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92620 Beak | Moderate | Similar saltwater application and heavy wire, but Beak bend family is distinct from Limerick; modern equivalent in product line |
| Tiemco 800S | Moderate | Straight-ring, tinned saltwater hook in modern format; similar gap and wire gauge but different bend profile |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Common |
| Market Value (USD) | $3 – $12 |
| Packaging Condition | Good — moderate wear, legible |
| Packaging Format | MAS-01 |
The 31010 ST is abundant in the vintage tackle market, particularly in larger sizes (2/0 through 5/0), making it an accessible example for beginning collectors. What drives limited collector interest is the authenticity of mid-century Mustad branding and the visual appeal of the original green-labeled packaging. Larger sizes (3/0, 4/0) are more frequently encountered than smaller variants, but even the largest sizes do not command significant premiums.
Condition factors that most affect value are packaging integrity (card presence and legibility of the green label) and hook count completeness. A card with all 100 hooks intact and packaging showing only light toning sells for more than one with missing hooks or water-stained cardstock. Sealed, never-opened cards are extremely rare for this model and would command a notable premium if found. The tinned finish itself adds modest value over bronze or bright variants, as tinned saltwater hooks hold greater appeal to working anglers and heritage saltwater-fishing collectors.
Limiting factors include the sheer abundance of Mustad hooks in general circulation, the lack of any collaborator or designer significance, and the industrial character of the model — it was never a specialist hook favored by particular schools of tying or regional traditions. Complete original boxes (if any exist) would exceed the value of loose cards, but no box format examples are currently documented.
Packaging
Cardstock sales card, approximately 5.25" × 3.5" (13.3 × 8.9 cm), kraft paper stock in cream/tan color. Centered green label (approximately 4" × 2.5" / 10.2 × 6.4 cm) with black printed text and decorative black asterisk border. Label text reads: 'KEY BRAND / O. MUSTAD & SÖN / Manufacturers / Oslo - Norway / Qual. 31010 ST / Superior / Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook / 100 / No. 3/0 / Ringed / Cadm. & Tin. / Made in Norway.' Cardstock shows light toning and age-darkening consistent with 60+ years storage. No barcode. Black kraft label in upper right corner marked 'SPORTS 25¢' (handwritten price in blue ink). Card layout follows standard Mustad format of the era: hooks arranged in two columns, secured with thin wire or thread through shank eyes. Original tissue wrapper (if any) not present. Offset printing; color registration is sharp and consistent.
Market Value Notes
Low ($3): Good condition — opened card, most hooks present, moderate packaging wear<br />
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High ($12): Excellent condition — card intact with legible green label, all or near-complete hook count, minimal defects<br />
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Premium factors: original packaging legibility, full hook count, tinned finish (preferred over bright), larger sizes (3/0 and up)<br />
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Platforms: eBay US and UK, occasional dealer stock, tackle shows<br />
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Confidence: E estimated — limited specific sold data for this exact model; values derived from comparable Mustad saltwater cards from same era
Where to Find
eBay US and UK — search 'Mustad 31010' and 'Mustad-Atlantic'; tackle shows and sportsman's swap meets in coastal regions; online vintage fishing-tackle dealers; occasional lot sales of estate tackle collections.
Storage and Preservation
Store the card in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity. The tinned finish is more corrosion-resistant than bronzed finishes, but prolonged moisture exposure will eventually cause white oxidation. Keep the card flat in an archival-quality box or document storage container; avoid stacking heavy items on top, which can warp the cardstock. Original packaging is a significant portion of the value — do not remove hooks from the card unless absolutely necessary for use. If the card becomes damp, allow it to air-dry slowly at room temperature; rapid heating can cause the glue to fail and hooks to shift. The handwritten price label should be preserved as-is; do not attempt to clean or remove it, as it is part of the era documentation. Store away from ferrous metals to prevent galvanic corrosion, and keep in a location where temperature and humidity remain stable year-round.
Handwritten Markings
A handwritten price tag in blue ink marking ’25¢’ is visible on a kraft paper label affixed to the upper right of the cardstock. The script is consistent with mid-1960s retail pricing and pen style. The price point ($0.25 for 100 hooks) is typical of 1960-1968 sporting goods retail, supporting the era dating to the 1960s. The handwriting appears to be retail-applied at the point of sale, rather than a manufacturer marking, and represents the original shelf price. This is a valuable era indicator and should be preserved exactly as-is.
Label Analysis — Manufacturing Specifications
Source: Green label, Mustad 31010 ST original packaging card
The green label on the original packaging provides explicit manufacturing documentation: ‘Qual. 31010 ST Superior Ringed Cadm. & Tin. Made in Norway.’ This translates to: Quality model 31010, with Superior point and Ringed (straight-ring) eye. The abbreviation ‘Cadm. & Tin.’ means Cadmium and Tin plating — a two-stage corrosion-resistant finish common on saltwater and bait hooks of the 1950s-1970s era. Cadmium plating (now restricted in many countries) was used as an undercoat; the tin topcoat provided the bright silver appearance and final corrosion barrier. This dual-plating process was more expensive than simple tinning or nickling, indicating this was marketed as a premium saltwater product. The notation ‘Made in Norway’ confirms Oslo/Gjovik factory origin and was required for export compliance. The 100-count specification and card format indicate this was distributed through sporting goods retailers and department stores rather than being a mail-order specialist product.
Confidence Notation Key
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Claims with no notation are confirmed by multiple independent sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).