At-a-Glance Summary

The Mustad 3135 represents a classic example of early 20th century Norwegian hook manufacturing excellence, produced by O. Mustad & Son under their ‘Superior’ and ‘Best Kirby’ trade labels V. This general-purpose bait hook features the distinctive Kirby offset-point bend – a design innovation dating to 1650 London needle-maker Charles Kirby – combined with a ringed straight eye and durable japanned black lacquer finish P.

The specimen’s packaging bears the ‘Christiania – Norway’ location marking, placing its manufacture firmly in the pre-1925 era when Norway’s capital retained its historic name V. This dating makes the 3135 a particularly significant find for vintage tackle collectors, representing both Mustad’s early industrial dominance and a tangible artifact of Norwegian manufacturing history.

With its proven Kirby geometry optimized for bait presentation and still fishing applications, the 3135 exemplifies the practical engineering that established Mustad as the world’s dominant hook manufacturer following Mathias Topp’s revolutionary automated production machinery of 1877 V.

Photography

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Identification

Technical Specifications

Technical Measurements

Method: Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid).

Measurements derived from grid counting on images. Shank: approximately 10-12 small squares = 1.0-1.2". Gap: approximately 5-6 small squares = 0.5-0.6". Hook positioning creates some measurement uncertainty - recommend physical verification with calipers for precision applications.

Historical Context

mustad

O. Mustad & Son was founded in 1832 by Ole Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, initially as a general metalworking operation producing steel wire, nails, and hardware. The company’s transformation into the world’s dominant fish hook manufacturer began in 1877 when carpenter-turned-inventor Mathias Topp perfected the first automated hook-bending machine capable of cutting, bending, barbing, and pointing hooks in a single mechanical process.

This breakthrough innovation allowed Mustad to achieve unprecedented production volumes and consistency, quickly establishing Norwegian hooks as the global standard. At its industrial peak, Mustad’s catalog included over 105,000 different hook patterns and sizes, with manufacturing facilities operating across 13 countries. The company’s Gjøvik headquarters became the nerve center of international hook distribution, shipping millions of hooks annually to tackle dealers worldwide.

Series History

The 3135 was part of Mustad’s ‘Best Kirby’ series, representing their premium interpretation of the classic Kirby offset-point design originally developed by London needle-maker Charles Kirby around 1650. The series was marketed under Mustad’s ‘Superior’ trade label, indicating quality-tier positioning within their extensive product catalog.

The Kirby pattern had been hand-forged by English craftsmen for over two centuries before Mustad’s mechanical production methods revolutionized its manufacture. The 3135 and related models in the series maintained the traditional Kirby geometry while benefiting from Mustad’s precision machinery and consistent japanned finishing processes. The series remained in production through the early decades of the 20th century, eventually evolving into modern equivalents like the 3136.

Era and Packaging Dating

Box label reads 'Christiania - Norway' - Christiania was the official name of Oslo from 1624 until January 1, 1925. While some old stock with Christiania labels may have circulated into the late 1920s, the printing plates for this label predate 1925. The decorative border style and letterpress printing method are consistent with early 20th century packaging.

Design Lineage and Influence

The 3135 traces its design heritage directly to Charles Kirby’s revolutionary offset-point innovation of circa 1650, which fundamentally changed hook geometry from straight-point designs. Kirby’s London workshop established the pattern that would dominate bait fishing for centuries, eventually spreading to Redditch manufacturers who refined the hand-forging techniques.

Mustad’s mechanized version maintained the essential Kirby geometry while achieving unprecedented consistency and production volume. Contemporary competitors like Allcock, Sealey, and Partridge offered their own Kirby interpretations, but Mustad’s industrial capacity and global distribution network established their version as the international standard. The design influenced countless subsequent bait hook patterns and remains fundamentally unchanged in modern equivalents.

Related Models — mustad

Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents

Primary Application

The Mustad 3135 was designed as a general-purpose bait hook for threading worms, minnows, cut bait, and other natural baits P. The Kirby offset-point geometry was specifically engineered for still fishing applications where the bait sits stationary and fish take it into their mouths before the angler sets the hook – the lateral offset ensures the point rotates into flesh rather than pulling cleanly away under pressure V.

Secondary Applications

Occasional use in vintage wet fly and soft hackle patterns where offset point was desired

Classic Fly Patterns

Not typically used for fly tying

Modern Equivalents

Collectability and Value

Positive factors: The Christiania location marking places this specimen firmly in the pre-1925 era, making it a tangible artifact of Norwegian industrial history. Early Mustad production from the company’s most innovative period appeals to both fishing tackle collectors and industrial history enthusiasts. The ‘Superior’ trade label indicates quality-tier positioning within Mustad’s catalog hierarchy. Complete original packaging with intact labeling significantly enhances collectible value.

Limiting factors: The Kirby pattern was extremely common and produced in vast quantities, limiting scarcity value. Standard japanned finish and conventional construction offer no unique technical features. Size not marked on visible packaging reduces specific identification appeal. General bait hook application lacks the specialized interest that drives premium values for fly hooks or unusual patterns.

Packaging

Small rectangular cardboard box with orange-red paper label featuring decorative floral border pattern. Label text includes manufacturer name, model number, trade names, quantity, and origin location. Box construction appears to be simple pasteboard with paper label adhered to lid. Letterpress printing method evident from text impression depth.

Market Value Notes

Values reflect complete boxed examples with Christiania labeling. Individual hooks worth $2-5 each. Premium pricing applies to mint condition packaging and documented provenance. European collectors often pay higher premiums for early Norwegian industrial artifacts.

Where to Find

Vintage tackle shows, European fishing memorabilia dealers, estate sales in regions with strong Norwegian immigrant populations, online auction platforms specializing in antique fishing gear

Collector's Identification Tips

Authenticate through the Christiania location marking – genuine pre-1925 labels will show period-appropriate typography and letterpress printing depth V. Verify the Mustad key trademark symbol positioning and detail quality P. Original japanned finish should display characteristic matte black appearance rather than painted or modern coating textures P. Box construction should reflect early 20th century pasteboard methods with paper label adhesion rather than modern printing directly on cardboard P.

eBay Market Reference

eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.