Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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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.
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The Kirby offset-point design represents one of fishing’s most enduring engineering solutions for bait presentation. The lateral bend of the point away from the hook’s central plane creates a self-setting action when line pressure is applied – rather than pulling straight out of a fish’s mouth, the offset geometry causes the point to rotate and engage tissue. This mechanical advantage was particularly valuable for still fishing applications where fish had time to fully take bait before hook setting occurred.
The japanned finish provided meaningful corrosion resistance for carbon steel construction through a heat-cured black lacquer process. While eventually superseded by electroplated and chemical finishes, japanning offered reliable protection and the distinctive matte black appearance preferred by many period anglers.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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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.
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.
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.
The city name 'Christiania' on this box connects directly to King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway, who rebuilt Oslo after a devastating 1624 fire and renamed it after himself. When Norway gained independence and cultural autonomy, the 1925 name change back to the ancient 'Oslo' represented a rejection of Danish colonial heritage - making hooks bearing the Christiania marking symbols of a vanished political era.
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.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3221-Br No. 5/0 — Kirby | 90% | Compare | |
|
3136 No. 4/0 — Best Kirby Hooks | 83% | Compare | |
|
3221-J No. 6/0 — Pflueger Kirby | 83% | Compare | |
|
3308 No. 20 — Cincinnati Bass Hooks | 82% | Compare | |
|
3177 No. 10 — Superior Barbless Hooks | 82% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3719 — Indiana Bass Hook | 99% | Compare |
|
3101 No. 2 — 3101 Limerick Hook | 99% | Compare |
|
4064 No. 2/0 — Spear O'Shaughnessy | 98% | Compare |
|
291 No. 4 — Sproat Bend | 98% | Compare |
|
L220 No. 4 — L220 Gilt | 97% | Compare |
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.
Occasional use in vintage wet fly and soft hackle patterns where offset point was desired
Not typically used for fly tying
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3136 | Excellent | Direct descendant with identical geometry, available in modern finishes |
| Mustad 3138 | Very Good | Same pattern with larger ring for easier line attachment |
Strong historical significance due to Christiania labeling and early Mustad production era, with broad collector appeal for Norwegian industrial history enthusiasts.
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.
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.
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.
Vintage tackle shows, European fishing memorabilia dealers, estate sales in regions with strong Norwegian immigrant populations, online auction platforms specializing in antique fishing gear
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.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Bag of 100 Mustad Kirby Black Carbon Steel Fish Hooks Size 2/0 3135 (listing expired) | $6.99 | 10/31/2025 | |
| Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks Vintage Size 6/0 Ringed Black, Box of 100 #3135 (listing expired) | $24.99 | 8/27/2025 |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Store in cool, dry conditions away from humidity to prevent corrosion of the japanned finish. Original packaging adds substantial collectible value – keep hooks mounted in their original box rather than transferring to modern storage. The cardboard box is vulnerable to moisture damage and should be protected with archival storage methods if long-term preservation is desired.
Avoid handling the hooks directly when possible, as oils from skin contact can compromise the japanned surface over time. If cleaning becomes necessary, use only dry brushing – never use solvents or abrasives that might damage the historic finish. The orange-red label paper is particularly susceptible to fading from light exposure.
Source: Original Mustad 3135 box label, c. 1910-1925
The box label provides crucial primary source documentation of early 20th century Mustad marketing and production. The text hierarchy places ‘O. Mustad & Son’ as the dominant manufacturer identification, followed by the prestigious ‘Christiania – Norway’ location marking that immediately dates the production era.
The ‘Superior’ designation indicates quality-tier positioning within Mustad’s catalog system, while ‘Best Kirby Hooks’ connects the product to the historic Kirby design lineage. The specification ‘Ringed Japanned’ provides technical documentation of construction methods, and the ‘100’ quantity marking reflects the standard commercial packaging unit for professional and retail distribution.
The decorative floral border pattern demonstrates the attention to visual appeal in tackle packaging of the era, suggesting these hooks were marketed to quality-conscious consumers rather than as basic commodity products.
| 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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