Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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The Mustad 3103 represents the classic Norwegian industrial approach to hook manufacturing during the mid-20th century. This tinned Limerick pattern was designed as a versatile workhorse for both bait fishing and wet fly applications, with the tin coating providing essential corrosion resistance for saltwater use P.
The packaging dates to approximately 1950-1965 based on the Oslo city name, green label design, and characteristic Key Brand typography. The decorative floral border and skeleton key logo are hallmarks of Mustad’s export packaging from this era V.
For collectors, this complete 100-hook box offers modest interest due to the vintage packaging preservation and nostalgic Key Brand branding. While the 3103 pattern itself was common, complete original boxes are increasingly scarce as most were opened for use I.
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The Limerick bend geometry provides mechanical advantage through its angular profile, concentrating stress at the point of penetration rather than distributing it around a curve. The superior point features a nearly straight inner taper that maintains sharpness while providing strength P.
Tin plating was the preferred corrosion protection method before stainless steel became economical, offering good saltwater resistance while maintaining the carbon steel core’s strength and hooking properties. The straight ring eye allows for easy line attachment while maintaining strength under load.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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Sources: this specimen and its packaging.
The 3103 was part of Mustad’s extensive Limerick series, which included numerous variations in wire gauge, finish, and eye configuration. The series was designed to provide reliable general-purpose hooks for both commercial and recreational fishing, with the Limerick bend offering superior hooking geometry compared to round patterns.
This specific ringed, tinned variant was targeted at saltwater and bait fishing applications where corrosion resistance was essential. The series remained in production for decades, with packaging and branding evolving while the basic hook geometry remained consistent.
Oslo city name indicates post-1924 (changed from Christiania). Green label with decorative floral border pattern and Key Brand logo style characteristic of Mustad's mid-century export packaging. No barcode indicates pre-1974. Typography and box construction consistent with 1950s-1960s production.
The Key Brand skeleton key logo was one of the fishing industry's first internationally recognized trademarks, symbolizing Mustad's claim to be the 'Key to Success' in fishing. During the 1950s-60s peak production period, Mustad's Gjøvik factory produced an estimated 40 million hooks daily, making it one of Norway's most important industrial exports alongside shipping and oil.
The Limerick bend originated in Irish hook-making traditions and was refined by English manufacturers in Redditch before being adopted by Norwegian industrial production. Mustad’s version maintained the classic geometry while benefiting from their advanced metallurgy and quality control.
This pattern influenced numerous subsequent designs and remains the basis for modern Limerick-style hooks, though most contemporary versions use stainless steel rather than tinned carbon steel construction.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3101 No. 2, 9/0 — 3101 Limerick Hook | 88% | Compare | |
|
31010 ST No. 3/0 — Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook | 81% | Compare | |
|
7111 B No. 2/0, 6/0 — Mustad 7111B Limerick | 80% | Compare | |
|
23407 D No. 1/0 — O'Shaughnessy Hooks Ringed Duratin | 78% | Compare | |
|
3100 No. 5/0 — Mustad-Limerick Hooks | 78% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
3101 No. 2, 9/0 — 3101 Limerick Hook | 77% | Compare |
|
3100 A No. 2, 10 — Mustad-Limerick | 73% | Compare |
|
3411 A No. 2/0 — Mustad 3411A — Blind Eye O'Shaughnessy | 71% | Compare |
|
31363 No. 10 — Mustad-Crystal Hook | 70% | Compare |
|
3366 No. 6/0 — Mustad-Sproat Hooks | 69% | Compare |
Designed as a versatile bait fishing and wet fly hook for freshwater and light saltwater applications. The Limerick bend provides excellent hooking geometry while the tinned finish offers corrosion resistance for saltwater use. Size 4 is ideal for general bait fishing with worms, small minnows, or for tying traditional wet flies and small streamers P.
Light saltwater fishing, traditional wet fly patterns, vintage fly tying restoration
Traditional wet flies, small streamers, saltwater patterns requiring corrosion resistance
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 34007 | Good | Modern stainless O'Shaughnessy with similar geometry and saltwater resistance |
| Owner SSW | Moderate | Contemporary saltwater pattern with comparable strength and corrosion resistance |
Modest collecting interest due to vintage Mustad packaging and complete 100-hook count, but limited by common hook pattern.
Positive factors include the complete original packaging with the classic Key Brand green label design, full count of 100 hooks, and good condition preservation. The mid-century Norwegian export packaging has nostalgic appeal among Mustad collectors.
Limiting factors include the common nature of the 3103 pattern, which was widely produced and distributed. Size 4 is standard rather than unusual, and tinned Limerick hooks were commercial staples rather than specialty items.
Cardboard box with green printed label featuring decorative floral border pattern. Label text: 'Key Brand O. MUSTAD & SÖN Manufacturers OSLO - NORWAY Qual. 3103 Superior Mustad-Limerick Hooks 100 Ringed Tinned No. 4 Made in Norway'. Classic mid-century Mustad export packaging with Key Brand skeleton key logo.
Complete boxes command premium over loose hooks. Condition of label and hook brightness affects pricing. Specialty tackle dealers and online auctions primary venues.
Online auctions, vintage tackle shows, estate sales, specialty fishing collectibles dealers
Authentic Mustad 3103 hooks from this era display consistent tin plating with a characteristic warm silver tone. The Key Brand packaging should show the decorative floral border pattern and proper Norwegian spellings (SÖN not SON). Hook points should show the superior-style geometry with nearly straight inner taper P.
Period-correct boxes use specific cardboard stock and printing methods. Modern reproductions lack the subtle typography variations and paper aging characteristics of genuine mid-century packaging I.
Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent tin coating degradation. The original cardboard packaging provides good protection but should be kept away from humidity to prevent box deterioration. Hooks can be lightly oiled to maintain tin brightness, but avoid over-lubrication which attracts dust.
Complete boxes are significantly more valuable than loose hooks, so preserve the original packaging whenever possible. Handle the green label carefully as the printing can be fragile after decades of aging.
Mustad used Norwegian sizing standards during this period, which may vary slightly from modern international standards. The No. 4 designation corresponds closely to contemporary size 4 hooks, but collectors should verify gap measurements when comparing to modern patterns.
Norwegian sizing was based on metric measurements but expressed in traditional numbering, creating occasional discrepancies with English or American sizing systems of the same era.
| 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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