Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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Mustad model 2320, a mid-century saltwater bait hook manufactured in Norway circa 1950–1965. The hook features a kirbed bend (point offset left), ringed eye, extra-heavy wire gauge, and blued finish—specifications chosen to balance corrosion resistance with the strength required for larger saltwater species. The kirby offset geometry improves hook penetration with natural baits while the ringed eye reduces lateral stress during the fight. This specimen represents Norwegian industrial hook manufacturing at mid-century peak and documents Mustad’s dominant position in global saltwater tackle distribution during the post-war era.
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Straight Ball | Kirby | 2X long | Extra heavy Wire | Superior Point | Blued
The Kirby offset creates an angular relationship between the point and shank that improves hooking efficiency with natural baits. The superior point geometry provides sharp penetration while maintaining strength for larger fish P. The ringed eye allows the hook to articulate freely on the line, reducing leverage that might cause hook pulls during the fight.
The heavy wire gauge and blued finish were specifically chosen for saltwater applications, where corrosion resistance and strength under load are paramount concerns.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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O. Mustad & Son was founded in 1832 by Ole Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, evolving from a small nail-making operation into the world’s largest hook manufacturer. By the 1950s, when this hook was produced, Mustad had established global dominance in the fishing hook industry through innovative manufacturing techniques and aggressive international marketing.
The company’s Oslo operations, referenced on this label, represented Mustad’s expansion beyond the original Gjøvik factory. The Key Brand trademark became one of fishing’s most recognized symbols, representing quality and reliability to anglers worldwide.
The 2320 model represents Mustad’s standardization of the traditional Kirby pattern for commercial production. The Kirby bend, originally developed by London hook-makers in the 17th century, was adapted by Mustad for mass production while maintaining the offset point geometry that made the original pattern effective.
This model remained in Mustad’s catalog for decades, serving as a workhorse sea hook for both commercial and recreational fishermen. The ringed eye construction distinguished it from the company’s eyed hook variants in the same size range.
Yellow label with snowflake border pattern is characteristic of mid-century Mustad packaging. Oslo location indicates post-1925 but pre-plastic blister pack era. Paper box construction and label typography consistent with 1950s-1960s production.
The Key Brand logo on this label represents one of the oldest trademarks in fishing tackle. Mustad's key symbol was both literal and metaphorical - it suggested that their hooks were the 'key' to fishing success, while also playing on the idea that fish were 'locked' onto their hooks once hooked.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3138 No. 9/0 — 3138 Best Kirby Hook | 86% | Compare | |
|
3136 No. 4/0 — Best Kirby Hooks | 83% | Compare | |
|
4341 No. 2/0 — Mustad 4341 | 83% | Compare | |
|
1939 No. 7/0 — Spear Pointed Kirby Hook | 74% | Compare | |
|
31604 — Kirby Hooks | 74% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3123 A No. true — Mustad-Limerick Hooks | 99% | Compare |
|
Nyack Extra Stout — Nyack Extra Stout | 98% | Compare |
|
4225 No. true — Kendal Kirby Hooks | 98% | Compare |
|
3399 A No. 12 — Mustad 3399 A Sproat | 98% | Compare |
|
4211 C No. 6 — Mustad 4211 C — Kendal Kirby | 98% | Compare |
Designed specifically for saltwater bait fishing, particularly effective with natural baits like marine worms, clams, and cut fish. The Kirby offset and ringed eye make this hook ideal for bottom fishing for flatfish, cod, and other sea species that tend to mouth bait before swallowing P.
Occasionally used for heavy freshwater bait fishing for large species
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3261 | Very Good | Direct descendant with same Kirby offset and blued finish |
| Gamakatsu Octopus | Moderate | Similar offset geometry but different bend profile |
Solid mid-century Mustad example with attractive Key Brand packaging, limited by common model status.
Positive factors include the classic Key Brand yellow label with snowflake border, excellent condition packaging, and representation of Mustad’s dominant mid-century sea hook production. The model represents traditional Norwegian hook-making excellence during the company’s industrial peak.
Limiting factors include the 2320 being a common utility model produced in large quantities, and sea hooks generally having less collector appeal than specialized fly hooks or rare patterns.
Yellow paper label with black text and decorative snowflake border pattern. Features Key Brand logo with key illustration. Text includes manufacturer name, model number, hook description, quantity, and Made in Norway marking. Applied to cardboard box construction typical of mid-century Mustad packaging.
Pricing driven primarily by packaging condition and completeness. Full boxes with intact labels command premium over loose hooks.
Tackle shows, eBay vintage fishing sections, Norwegian fishing heritage collections
Key identifiers include the yellow Key Brand label with snowflake border pattern, Oslo location marking, and ‘Qual. 2320’ model designation. The Kirby offset is immediately visible when viewing the hook from above.
Store in a dry environment to prevent further deterioration of the blued finish. The original yellow label is susceptible to further fading and should be kept away from direct light. Original packaging significantly enhances collector value – keep hooks on the original card rather than removing them.
The blued finish, while offering some corrosion protection, will develop patina if exposed to moisture. Some collectors prefer the aged patina as evidence of authenticity, but active corrosion should be prevented through proper storage.
Source: Original product label, Mustad 2320 box, c. 1950-1965
The label’s ‘Best Quality’ designation reflects Mustad’s premium positioning in the mid-century market. The specific mention of ‘Made in Norway’ was a quality indicator, as Norwegian steel and manufacturing were highly regarded in the fishing tackle industry.
The ‘Mustad-Kirby Sea Hooks’ branding explicitly connects the traditional Kirby pattern with Mustad’s industrial production capabilities, suggesting both heritage and modern reliability to consumers.
| 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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