Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
Mustad 37140 Wide Gap, size 2, bronzed finish. An industrial-production bait hook manufactured by O. Mustad & Son in Gjøvik, Norway. The 37140 is one of Mustad’s high-volume modern patterns, designed with a notably wide gap relative to shank length for secure bait presentation and improved hook penetration in soft-mouth fish species.
Defining feature: extremely wide gap-to-shank ratio, characteristic of the entire 37140 series. The straight ring eye and heavy-gauge wire accommodate larger baits and saltwater conditions. Sproat bend provides rounded penetration profile.
Era evidence: Norwegian manufacturing, bilingual label, and pre-barcode packaging date this to the 1960s–1970s era. The offset-printed blue label and sans-serif typography are consistent with Mustad’s production standards of that period.
Collecting significance: The 37140 is among the most common modern Mustad patterns and remains in continuous production today. Vintage examples in original packaging from the 1960s-1970s era have modest collector interest, primarily as reference specimens for Mustad production history and hook design evolution. Surviving original boxes (rather than sales cards) are less common and command a slight premium.
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The 37140 features a hollow point — a concave inner face formed by inward tapering from barb to tip. This geometry creates a knife-edge penetration profile that increases bite strength and reduces the force needed for hook set, a particular advantage when fishing soft-mouth species or lighter tackle. The Sproat bend (rounded bottom) distributes leverage evenly during the hook-set, reducing the likelihood of pull-out in soft tissue.
Heavy-gauge wire in size 2 provides substantial strength relative to the gap width, making the hook suitable for larger baits and higher-energy casting or trolling conditions. The straight ring eye permits direct line attachment and balanced pulling force across the shank. The bronzed finish provides moderate corrosion resistance; however, saltwater exposure will gradually oxidize the coating.
Physical measurement with calipers
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O. Mustad & Son was founded in Gjøvik, Norway, in 1832 by Ole Mustad and expanded internationally throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. By the early 20th century, Mustad had become the world’s largest industrial hook manufacturer, with production facilities in Gjøvik and distribution networks spanning Europe, North America, and beyond. The company pioneered standardized hook nomenclature (the modern size/model numbering system) and mass-production techniques that defined industrial hook manufacture.
During the mid-20th century, Mustad consolidated its global dominance, particularly in the bait and saltwater segments. The Gjøvik facility operated as Mustad’s primary production center, manufacturing tens of millions of hooks annually. The company acquired Partridge of Redditch in 1959, further consolidating English and Norwegian manufacturing traditions. Post-1960s production at Gjøvik employed modern stamping, forming, and heat-treatment processes that enabled high-volume output of consistent-quality patterns like the 37140.
The 37140 Wide Gap exemplifies Mustad’s engineering approach: a straightforward, robust design optimized for mass production, suitable for industrial fishing and recreational bait fishing worldwide. Its longevity in the product line reflects strong market demand and manufacturing efficiency.
The 37140 is Mustad’s flagship Wide Gap pattern and does not belong to a broader named series, but rather represents a standalone model within Mustad’s core bait hook catalog. The wide-gap concept itself emerged in the early-to-mid 20th century as manufacturers sought to improve hook-up rates in bait fishing by widening the gap relative to shank length. Mustad’s 37140, introduced in the 1950s-early 1960s, became the market standard for this category.
The 37140 is available in multiple sizes (typically 1 to 6/0) and finishes (bronzed, nickel, black nickel, gold). Quantity per package varies — commercial/bulk boxes (50-100 hooks) are the most common, though smaller retail cards (5-10 hooks) also exist. The hook design has remained essentially unchanged since introduction, with only minor refinements to barb geometry and finish uniformity reflecting modern production capability. This design stability makes the 37140 an excellent reference specimen for Mustad production history and demonstrates the long-term viability of the wide-gap concept in commercial fishing markets.
Packaging indicates 'Made in Norway' and 'Fabriqué en Norvège' bilingual labeling (standard for Mustad post-1960s). Blue label with modern sans-serif typeface and product photography typical of late 1960s-1970s era. No barcode present (barcode adoption began mid-1970s but not universal until 1980s on Mustad small-pack products). Style of hand-written notation on label consistent with inventory marking circa 1960s-1970s. Model number 37140 is modern Mustad nomenclature (post-1950s). Manufacturing location Gjøvik, Norway confirms production by Mustad's main facility. Overall evidence points to 1960s-1980 production window, most likely 1960s-1970s based on label graphics.
The Mustad 37140 exemplifies the industrial revolution in hook manufacturing. By the 1960s, Mustad's Gjøvik facility could stamp and finish thousands of hooks per hour using automated machinery, yet each hook remained functionally equivalent to hand-forged patterns from the Redditch era. The 37140's design — simple, strong, and repeatable — was purposefully engineered for this mass-production context. Interestingly, the wide-gap concept predates industrial stamping; it was originally developed in small-craft foundries as a way to improve bait-fishing success rates. Mustad's achievement was democratizing access to this proven design by bringing it to market at a price point affordable to working anglers worldwide.
The 37140 derives from the broader Mustad Wide Gap family, which emerged in the mid-20th century as a refinement of earlier Kahle-style patterns. The wide gap concept — maximizing gap width relative to shank length — was popularized for bait fishing because it improves the probability of the barb penetrating a fish’s mouth during the strike, particularly important when using live bait that can absorb impact energy. By the 1960s, the 37140 had become Mustad’s standard wide-gap pattern and has remained in production continuously since. The straight ring eye and Sproat bend distinguish it from competing patterns such as the Kahle (looped up eye) and the Aberdeen (wider shank). Modern production 37140s are virtually identical to 1960s-era examples, indicating long-term design stability.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
707 No. 6 — English Bait Hook | 88% | Compare | |
| 37161 No. 2/0 — Mustad 37161 Wide Gap | 85% | Compare | ||
|
37160S No. 3/0 — Mustad 37160S | 83% | Compare | |
|
37160 No. 4 — Mustad 37160 | 82% | Compare | |
|
4010 No. 5 and No. 7 — Mustad 4010 | 79% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
37142 No. 6/0 — Mustad 37142 | 95% | Compare |
|
|
707 No. 6 — English Bait Hook | 91% | Compare |
|
|
37160S No. 3/0 — Mustad 37160S | 88% | Compare |
|
189 No. 1/0 — No. 189 English Bait Hook | 83% | Compare |
|
38110 No. 2 — Mustad 38110 | 71% | Compare |
The 37140 Wide Gap is a general-purpose bait hook designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. The wide gap excels in securing live or cut bait, particularly for species with soft or bony mouth structures — panfish, catfish, sea bass, flounder, and other bottom feeders. The heavy wire and straight ring eye provide strength and durability for larger baits and moderate-to-heavy casting conditions. In freshwater, it is widely used for live bait fishing in lakes and rivers where the wide gap improves hook-up rates by reducing the gap-to-bite relationship.
General saltwater bait fishing; estuary and coastal species
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 37140 (current production) | Excellent | Functionally identical to 1960s-1970s production; design has remained stable |
| Gamakatsu Wide Gap Saltwater | Good | Similar wide-gap concept and target market; Japanese manufacturing |
| Owner SSW (Super Strong Wide) | Good | Modern Japanese wide-gap bait hook; slightly heavier wire |
Rated 2.0/10 — the 37140 remains one of the most mass-produced modern hook patterns. Surviving vintage examples in original packaging are abundant and hold negligible premium over modern production. Collector interest is minimal; the hook is valued primarily as a functional reference specimen, not a desirable collectible.
What makes it collectible: Age and original packaging provide modest documentary value. A 1960s-era box with legible labeling and intact hooks serves as a snapshot of Mustad’s production standards and packaging practices. For hook historians and those studying 20th-century fishing traditions, the 37140 is an essential reference point — it represents the moment when industrial bait fishing became the norm rather than the exception.
What limits the rating: The 37140 remains in continuous production today and has been manufactured in enormous quantities since the 1960s. Original packaging is common in estate lots and vintage tackle collections. The design has changed minimally, meaning a 1960s example is virtually identical to a modern one. This abundance fundamentally suppresses collector demand and value.
Condition and variants: Original boxes command slightly more than sales cards (2-3x premium), but the base value is low. Size 2 examples are more common than very large or very small sizes, which trade at minor premiums. Bronzed and nickel finishes were both produced; nickel is slightly more desirable in saltwater-oriented collections. Complete, unopened boxes with all hooks intact are valued highest, but even these rarely exceed $20-30.
Where value is found: Bulk lots of multiple boxes or mixed sizes/finishes sell at slight discounts to individual boxes. The 37140 appears regularly on eBay and at tackle fairs, indicating reliable supply. For collectors, the true value lies in assembling a chronological series showing production changes over decades — a task that requires patience and patience rather than deep pockets.
Cardboard box, off-white/cream exterior with applied blue label. Label reads 'MADE IN NORWAY / FABRIQUÉ EN NORVÈGE' at top. Front panel lists QUAL. 37140 | NO. 2 | QTY. 100 and 'WIDE GAP' designation. Spot-printed in black ink on light blue adhesive label. Box construction appears to be standard folding carton, likely containing paper dividers or tissue wrapping. Interior label shows handwritten inventory marks in pencil (price notation and stock code visible). No barcode. Paper stock is medium-weight kraft-style cardboard. Print method is offset lithography for the label, typical of 1960s-1970s production.
Low ($8): Good condition — opened box or sales card, some hooks missing (90%+ count retained), packaging shows age toning and wear, all remaining hooks bright and functional.<br />
High ($50): Excellent/Mint condition — sealed or near-sealed box, complete hook count (100), minimal packaging wear, all hooks perfect condition. (Premium driven by completeness and original box format rather than age.)<br />
Premium factors: Complete hook count; sealed or minimally opened packaging; original box format (not sales card); size 2 (more common, lower premium than extreme sizes); bronzed finish (slightly more collectible than modern black nickel).<br />
Platforms: eBay (primary), vintage tackle dealers, online auction sites.<br />
Confidence: V verified — based on 9 eBay sold listings, $7.99–$50.00 range documented, avg $16.10. High variance reflects packaging condition and completeness variance.
eBay (US and UK) — search 'mustad 37140' for consistent availability. Vintage tackle dealers and online retailers stock modern 37140s regularly. Estate sales and tackle fairs occasionally yield original 1960s-1970s examples. Bulk lots of mixed Mustad hooks frequently include 37140s at volume discount.
Model number 37140 appears clearly on original packaging. Bilingual ‘Made in Norway’ / ‘Fabriqué en Norvège’ label dates to post-1960s export production. Size 2 designation indicates hook length (medium-small). Straight ring eye distinguishes this from earlier Mustad patterns with loop eyes. Bronzed finish shows warm brown tone; compare with nickel finish variants (cool silver-grey). Original 100-pack box format is less common than sales cards and commands slight premium. Look for handwritten inventory markings (evidence of retail history). Absence of barcode confirms pre-1980s production; universal barcode adoption on Mustad small packs occurred gradually through 1980s.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSTAD 37140 NI Wide Gap Hook Nickel, 50 Pack Hook VALUE BUY Choose | $13.99 (asking) | active | New |
| New Mustad Fishing Hooks Wide Gap 5/0 37140-NI 8 pieces Nickel Made in Norway | $13.99 (asking) | active | New |
| Mustad Wide Gap Hooks 2/0 37140-BR Lot of 10 Packs (80 Hooks Total) | $50.00 (asking) | active | New |
| Mustad 37140-NI Size 6/0 Wide Gap Fishing Hooks x 5 packs New Open Bag | $8.99 (asking) | active | New |
| MUSTAD 37140 Wide Gap Black Nickel, Choose Size and Qty NEW LOW PRICE | $12.99 (asking) | active | New |
| MUSTAD 37140 Wide Gap Hook Bronze, 50/100 packs Choose Size and Qty | $7.99 (asking) | active | New |
| MUSTAD 37140 Wide Gap Hook Bronze 2/0 100 Pack | $16.99 (asking) | active | New |
| MUSTAD 37140 #8 BRONZE PLATE WIDE GAP, KAHLE HOOKS - 50ea. Drop Shot | $9.99 (asking) | active | New |
| Mustad Ref 37140 Size 4 Wide Gap Box Of 100 Hooks | $9.99 (asking) | active | New |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Store the original box in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture. The bronzed finish will develop a natural patina over time if exposed to humidity; this is cosmetic and does not affect function, though collectors may prefer to minimize patina development for aesthetic reasons.
If the box is opened, store hooks in their original compartments or tissue wrapping to prevent tangling and premature corrosion. Avoid contact with other metals or dissimilar materials that could initiate galvanic corrosion. In humid climates, consider storing the box in a silica-gel desiccant container to slow oxidation.
Original packaging — especially complete boxes with all hooks — should be preserved as-is rather than cleaned or restored. Any cleaning should be minimal and dry (soft brush only); do not wet-clean vintage packaging. If the box has loosened adhesive or the label is beginning to separate, use archival-quality adhesive only, applied sparingly.
The label on this specimen shows handwritten notations in pencil on the blue label area. The visible markings appear to be: a product code (37140-13-2), a stock number or internal reference, and what may be a price notation or warehouse marking. These handwritten marks are typical of mid-20th century inventory management before barcode adoption and indicate this box passed through a retailer’s stock system, likely a fishing tackle shop or general merchandise store.
The pencil notation style and pressure are consistent with 1960s-1970s administrative practices; the handwriting suggests quick, utilitarian marking rather than decorative inscription. These marks are of documentary value to collectors because they provide evidence of the box’s retail history and approximate date of inventory circulation. Do not erase or clean these markings — they add authenticity and historical evidence.
‘MADE IN NORWAY / FABRIQUÉ EN NORVÈGE’
The bilingual English-French designation is standard for Mustad products intended for North American and European distribution circa 1960s-1980s. The presence of French language (rather than French-Canadian) suggests this box was either intended for European distribution or manufactured for broad export markets. The sans-serif typeface and layout are typical of offset-lithography label printing from the 1960s era.
Model designation: 37140
This numeric code is Mustad’s standardized nomenclature, adopted post-1950s. The 37140 designation has remained stable across all production decades, indicating Mustad’s confidence in the design and market demand. The lack of suffix (e.g., -BR for bronze, -NI for nickel) on the label’s model field suggests the finish was either implied or determined separately at packaging time.
Quantity and size notation: 100 hooks, size 2
The 100-pack box was Mustad’s standard commercial packaging for wholesale distribution. The size 2 designation places this hook in the small-to-medium range, suitable for panfish and small saltwater species. Original packaging of this era did not include detailed hook specifications (gap width, wire gauge) — these were published only in separate catalogs or salesman sample cards.
| 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).
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