Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
The Mustad 23407 B represents a classic Norwegian-manufactured O’Shaughnessy bait hook from the company’s vintage Key Brand series V. This size 1 hook features standard wire gauge construction with a superior point and traditional ringed eye design, finished in Mustad’s characteristic bronze coating P.
Dating to approximately the 1940s-1960s based on the Oslo address marking and distinctive Key Brand labeling style, this hook exemplifies mid-20th century commercial fishing tackle quality I. The O’Shaughnessy bend pattern, originally developed for saltwater applications, provides excellent holding power for both live and cut baits I.
While the hook itself represents standard commercial construction, the vintage Key Brand packaging adds collecting appeal for Mustad enthusiasts and tackle historians E. Complete 100-hook packages like this example are increasingly uncommon as most were broken up for individual use decades ago S.
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The superior point construction provides efficient penetration through its nearly straight inner taper, reducing the force required for hook set while maintaining strength I. The O’Shaughnessy bend geometry distributes stress evenly throughout the wire, making it particularly suitable for larger fish and extended fighting periods I. The ringed eye design allows terminal tackle to move freely, reducing leverage stress on the eye connection during fish fights I.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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O. Mustad & Son was founded in 1832 by Ole Mustad in Gjovik, Norway, eventually becoming the world’s largest fishhook manufacturer V. The company’s Key Brand series represented their premium commercial fishing hooks, marketed extensively throughout the mid-20th century to both commercial and recreational fishermen I. Mustad’s Oslo facility, referenced on this packaging, served as a major distribution center during the company’s expansion period before consolidation at the main Gjovik factory I.
The 23407 series represented Mustad’s standard O’Shaughnessy pattern hooks, available in various wire gauges and finishes throughout the mid-20th century I. The ‘B’ designation typically indicated a specific wire gauge or finish variation within the series I. These hooks were marketed under the Key Brand label system, which Mustad used to differentiate their premium commercial hooks from basic utility grades I. The series remained in production through the 1960s before being reorganized under Mustad’s simplified numbering system S.
Vintage Mustad Key Brand label style with decorative border pattern typical of pre-1970 production. Oslo location marking indicates pre-Gjovik facility period. No ZIP code format suggests pre-1963 addressing system. Quality designation format consistent with mid-20th century Mustad catalogs.
The O'Shaughnessy hook pattern was named after an Irish fishing family and became so popular that it's often simply called the 'Slaw' hook by commercial fishermen. Mustad's version became the global standard, with millions produced for both commercial fleets and recreational anglers worldwide.
The O’Shaughnessy pattern originated in Ireland and became widely adopted by international manufacturers for saltwater applications I. Mustad’s interpretation maintained the classic proportions while adding their superior point technology and reliable bronzed finish I. This design influenced numerous subsequent saltwater hook patterns and remains a standard reference for bait hook engineering I.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1608 A No. 5/0 — Mustad Bowed | 99% | Compare | |
|
5511-Br No. 7/0 — O'Shaughnessy | 89% | Compare | |
|
3808 No. 6 — Mustad 3808 | 88% | Compare | |
|
23407 D No. 1/0 — O'Shaughnessy Hooks Ringed Duratin | 86% | Compare | |
|
34128 ST No. 5/0 — Mustad 34128 ST | 85% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3408BD No. 2 — 3408BD O'Shaughnessy | 99% | Compare |
|
2639 R No. 8 — Quality 2639 R Sneck Bent | 98% | Compare |
|
3407 No. 10/0 — Mustad 3407 O'Shaughnessy | 98% | Compare |
|
39848 No. 8 — Kendal Round Hook | 98% | Compare |
|
3621-B No. 4 — Virginia Fish Hooks | 98% | Compare |
Heavy-duty bait fishing hook designed for saltwater and freshwater applications requiring strong wire construction P. The O’Shaughnessy bend provides excellent holding power for live and cut baits I. Particularly effective for bottom fishing and trolling with larger baits targeting species like striped bass, bluefish, and cod I.
Bottom fishing, trolling with cut baits, live bait presentation for larger gamefish
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92611 | Very Good | Modern O'Shaughnessy with similar proportions, updated metallurgy |
| Eagle Claw 042 | Good | American-made O'Shaughnessy with comparable bend geometry |
Modest collecting interest due to vintage Key Brand labeling and classic O'Shaughnessy pattern, though limited by common hook type and standard construction.
Positive factors include the vintage Key Brand labeling system which Mustad discontinued in the 1960s, making these packages increasingly scarce V. The decorative border pattern and Oslo address marking add historical appeal for Mustad collectors P. The O’Shaughnessy bend represents a classic American fishing hook pattern with strong nostalgic appeal I.
Limiting factors include the relatively common hook type and standard wire construction without special features. Size 1 was a popular commercial size, reducing scarcity value. The bronzed finish, while period-correct, lacks the visual appeal of specialty finishes E.
Small rectangular cardboard box with cream-colored label featuring decorative asterisk border pattern. Key Brand logo with vintage key graphic prominently displayed. Text includes manufacturer name 'O. MUSTAD & SON', location 'Oslo Norway', model designation 'Qual. 23407 B Superior', hook type 'Mustad-O'Shaughnessy Hooks', quantity '100 No. 1', and finish 'Ringed Bronzed'. Letterpress printing on quality paper stock typical of mid-20th century production.
Value driven primarily by vintage Key Brand packaging rather than hook rarity. Complete 100-hook packages command premium over partial counts. Condition of label graphics significantly affects pricing.
eBay vintage tackle lots, estate sales, older tackle shops with vintage stock
Look for the distinctive Key Brand logo with vintage key graphic and decorative asterisk border pattern. Oslo address marking distinguishes this from later Gjovik production. Quality designation format ‘23407 B Superior’ is specific to mid-century catalogs.
Store in a cool, dry environment away from moisture to prevent corrosion of the bronzed finish. The original cardboard packaging should be kept intact as it significantly adds to collecting value – avoid removing hooks unnecessarily from the box. Handle the vintage label carefully as the paper stock can become brittle with age. Store flat to prevent warping of the cardboard and protect from light exposure to maintain label graphics quality.
The size 1 designation on this vintage Mustad hook corresponds to traditional Norwegian sizing standards of the mid-20th century, which may differ slightly from modern international sizing. The actual dimensions measured from the grid show this hook falls within expected parameters for size 1, confirming authentic period sizing consistency.
| 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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