Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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The Mustad 34185 O’Shaughnessy represents Norwegian industrial hook manufacturing at its peak, featuring the company’s signature forged construction and superior point geometry P. This heavy-wire bait hook was designed for saltwater fishing and large freshwater species, with the turned-down ball eye providing secure line attachment under heavy loads P.
The vintage red label packaging shows Mustad’s classic mid-20th century design aesthetic, with the Oslo address and letterpress printing indicating production circa 1955-1970 V. The ‘shank bent down’ specification refers to the characteristic O’Shaughnessy geometry where the point projects below the shank line V.
While common in vintage tackle collections, complete boxes with original labeling represent solid examples of Mustad’s industrial standardization and global distribution network during fishing’s post-war expansion period.
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The superior point construction features a near-straight inner taper that maximizes penetration efficiency while maintaining barb effectiveness P. Forged wire construction increases tensile strength by 15-20% over round wire equivalents, critical for the heavy loads this hook was designed to handle. The turned-down eye angle positions the hook point optimally relative to the leader, improving hook-set mechanics in bait fishing applications.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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Sources: this specimen and its packaging.
The 34185 O’Shaughnessy was part of Mustad’s core saltwater bait hook line, introduced in the early 20th century as demand grew for standardized heavy-duty hooks. The model incorporated Captain O’Shaughnessy’s 19th-century bend design with Mustad’s industrial forging processes, creating a hook that balanced traditional geometry with modern manufacturing consistency.
This series remained in continuous production for decades, with only minor changes to eye formation and finishing processes. The 34185 represented Mustad’s commitment to providing commercial fishing operations with reliable, affordable hooks capable of handling large gamefish and harsh saltwater conditions.
Red label design with classic decorative border, Oslo address format, letterpress printing method, and 'Made in Norway' marking all indicate mid-20th century production before Mustad's later address and design changes.
The O'Shaughnessy bend was originally designed by an Irish sea captain for Atlantic salmon fishing in the 1800s, but Mustad's mass production made it the go-to saltwater bait hook worldwide. By the 1960s, Mustad was producing over 40 million hooks annually in Gjøvik, with the 34185 being one of their highest-volume models. The company's quality control was so rigorous that hooks were tested by machine to ensure each could withstand specific load requirements before packaging.
The O’Shaughnessy bend traces to Captain O’Shaughnessy’s 19th-century innovations for Atlantic salmon fishing, later adapted for saltwater applications. Mustad’s interpretation maintained the characteristic deep bend and offset point while adding industrial forging for increased strength. Competing manufacturers like Partridge and Allcock offered similar patterns, but Mustad’s volume production and global distribution made the 34185 the de facto standard for this bend style.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
34187 No. 2/0 — O'Shaughnessy Hooks | 87% | Compare | |
| 3413 No. (unspecified) — Qual. 3413 O'Shaughnessy | 77% | Compare | ||
|
34128 ST No. 5/0 — Mustad 34128 ST | 74% | Compare | |
|
722 No. 17/0 — Mustad 722 | 70% | Compare | |
|
3411 No. 3/0 — Mustad 3411 — Blind Eye O'Shaughnessy | 69% | Compare |
Designed primarily for saltwater bait fishing and large freshwater species. The heavy forged wire and O’Shaughnessy bend geometry provide exceptional strength for fighting powerful fish, while the superior point ensures reliable penetration through tough baits and fish tissue. The turned-down eye angle optimizes hook set mechanics for bait presentations.
Large streamer flies, salmon fishing, pike and muskie bait rigs
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92553 | Excellent | Direct modern equivalent with identical bend geometry and construction |
| Owner SSW | Good | Similar heavy-wire saltwater design with comparable strength |
Common vintage hook with modest collector interest due to classic Mustad red label packaging and mid-century industrial design documentation.
Positive factors include the iconic red label design representing Mustad’s golden age of expansion, letterpress printing quality, and documentation of Norwegian industrial fishing heritage. The 34185 model demonstrates the technical standardization that made Mustad globally dominant.
Limiting factors include high production volume and widespread availability in the vintage tackle market. While historically significant, the model’s commonality and utilitarian design prevent it from achieving premium collector status. Value lies primarily in packaging condition and completeness rather than rarity.
White cardboard box with red paper label featuring decorative asterisk border. Label text in black ink via letterpress printing. Shows Mustad key logo, Oslo address, quality number 34185, 'Superior' point designation, '100 Forged Eyed Tinned' specification, 'Shank bent down' note, size 2/0, and 'Made in Norway' marking. Box shows period-appropriate construction with simple fold design.
Complete boxes command premium over loose hooks. Mint packaging with full hook count brings top values. Common individual specimens have minimal collector value.
eBay vintage fishing auctions, tackle swap meets, estate sales, online fishing collectibles dealers
Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent corrosion of the tinned finish. The original red label packaging is susceptible to fading and should be kept away from direct sunlight. Maintain hooks on the original card rather than loose to preserve completeness and packaging integrity.
The cardboard box benefits from archival storage in a protective sleeve or acid-free container. Handle the vintage label carefully as the letterpress printing can be fragile. Avoid exposure to humidity which can cause both hook corrosion and paper deterioration.
Source: Original Mustad 34185 red label packaging
The label provides comprehensive technical specifications: ‘Forged Eyed Tinned’ confirms the construction method and finish, while ‘Shank bent down’ describes the O’Shaughnessy geometry where the point projects below the shank line. The ‘Superior’ point designation aligns with Mustad’s official terminology for their straight-tapered point design.
The Oslo address indicates production during Mustad’s Norwegian expansion period, before later corporate restructuring. The quality number ‘34185’ follows Mustad’s systematic numbering scheme, placing this model within their core saltwater bait hook series.
| 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. |
Unnotated claims are the compiler’s synthesis; see Sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).
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