Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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The Mustad 3138 ST represents the Norwegian manufacturer’s industrial production of the classic Kirby bend hook, designed by Charles Kirby of London in the 1650s V. This heavy-wire saltwater bait hook features a ringed eye and special tin plating for maximum corrosion resistance P.
The distinctive Kirby bend combines a straight shank with an offset point, engineered to improve hook-up ratios when fish engulf natural baits P. The ‘Key Brand’ logo and Oslo address on the orange-and-black label indicate mid-20th century export packaging, likely 1950s-1970s I.
This size 6/0 specimen demonstrates Mustad’s transition from craft production to industrial manufacturing, making quality hooks accessible to commercial and recreational saltwater anglers worldwide I. The heavy tin coating appears dull gray rather than bright silver, characteristic of this premium corrosion-resistant finish P.
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The Kirby bend’s engineering principle centers on the offset point, which creates a mechanical advantage during the strike. When a fish engulfs bait and moves away, tension on the line causes the offset point to rotate toward the jaw, improving hook penetration compared to straight-point designs.
The special tinned finish represents pre-stainless steel corrosion protection technology. The thick lead-tin alloy coating sacrifices itself to protect the underlying steel, extending hook life in saltwater environments where standard carbon steel would quickly corrode.
Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid)
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O. Mustad & Søn was founded in 1877 by Ole Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, transforming from a small blacksmith shop into the world’s largest hook manufacturer. The company revolutionized hook production by applying industrial manufacturing methods to what had been primarily a craft industry centered in Redditch, England.
By the early 20th century, Mustad’s factory in Gjøvik was producing millions of hooks annually, utilizing advanced machinery and quality control systems. The ‘Key Brand’ trademark, visible on this packaging, was introduced to combat widespread counterfeiting and became synonymous with reliable Norwegian engineering in the global fishing tackle trade.
The 3138 series represents Mustad’s standardization of the classic Kirby bend for industrial production. Introduced in the early 20th century, this model became a cornerstone of the company’s saltwater hook offerings, available in sizes from 1 through 10/0.
The ‘ST’ designation indicates ‘Special Tinned’ finish, Mustad’s premium corrosion-resistant coating before stainless steel became widely available. This series remained largely unchanged throughout its production run, testament to the effectiveness of the original Kirby design for bait fishing applications.
Orange and black paper label on cardboard box with 'Key Brand' logo and 'Oslo - Norway' address indicates mid-20th century export packaging. No barcode confirms pre-1974 production. Typography and label construction consistent with 1950s-1970s period.
The 'Key Brand' logo on this box wasn't just marketing — it was Mustad's weapon against rampant counterfeiting in the early 1900s. Inferior hooks bearing fake Mustad markings were so common that the company introduced this distinctive key symbol and began legal campaigns across multiple countries. The key became so synonymous with quality that many anglers would refuse hooks without it, making this simple logo one of fishing's first globally recognized trademarks.
The Kirby bend traces directly to Charles Kirby’s 17th-century London workshops, making it one of the oldest documented hook patterns still in production. Mustad’s 3138 represents the industrialization of this hand-forged design, maintaining the essential offset geometry while adapting for machine production.
Competing manufacturers like Allcock and Partridge produced similar Kirby patterns, but Mustad’s industrial scale and quality control systems made their version the global standard by the mid-20th century.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3138 No. 9/0 — 3138 Best Kirby Hook | 94% | Compare | |
| Pacific Bass — Pacific Bass | 78% | Compare | ||
|
31604 — Kirby Hooks | 77% | Compare | |
|
3308 No. 20 — Cincinnati Bass Hooks | 76% | Compare | |
|
198 No. 2 — Samuel Allcock 198 Flatted Eye | 76% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
3138 No. 9/0 — 3138 Best Kirby Hook | 99% | Compare |
|
3164 A No. #2 (P) — 3164 A | 99% | Compare |
|
3221-J No. 6/0 — Pflueger Kirby | 99% | Compare |
|
3389 No. 8 — Mustad 3389 | 98% | Compare |
|
36712 No. 2 — Mustad 36712 — Limerick Hooks | 98% | Compare |
Heavy saltwater bottom fishing with natural bait P. The Kirby bend with its offset point was specifically designed for engulfing bait presentations — ideal for bottom species like cod, haddock, flounder, and grouper that take bait deeply P. The ringed eye accommodates heavy leaders and the special tinned finish provides corrosion resistance in saltwater V.
Large freshwater bait fishing for pike, muskie, and catfish.
Not typically used for fly tying.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3138-DT | Excellent | Direct descendant with modern Duratin coating replacing special tinning |
| Eagle Claw 042 | Good | Similar Kirby bend geometry and heavy wire gauge |
Modest collector interest due to classic Kirby design and Key Brand packaging, but limited by common production numbers.
Positive factors include the classic Key Brand packaging with its distinctive orange-and-black label design, representing Mustad’s golden age of export marketing. The 3138 ST series holds historical significance as an example of industrial adaptation of the centuries-old Kirby bend pattern.
Limiting factors include the hook’s common production status — Mustad manufactured millions of these hooks over several decades, making individual specimens readily available. The packaging, while attractive, lacks the rarity of earlier hand-labeled examples or the premium appeal of limited specialty runs.
Cardboard box with orange and black paper label. Label features decorative border of asterisk symbols, Key Brand logo with key symbol, manufacturer text 'O. MUSTAD & SON Manufacturers OSLO - NORWAY', model designation 'Qual. 3138 ST Superior', product description 'Mustad-Best Kirby Hooks Ringed Special tinned Made in Norway', and quantity '100 No.' Red ink marking '6/0' added by hand.
Boxed examples with intact labels command premium over loose hooks. Condition of orange label critical to value — fading or tears significantly reduce price. Size 6/0 and larger sizes slightly more desirable than smaller hooks.
Vintage tackle shows, estate sales, and online auctions. Occasionally appears in old tackle box lots.
Authenticate by examining the Key Brand logo detail and typography quality on the orange label P. Original Mustad labels have crisp printing and consistent color saturation I. The ‘Oslo – Norway’ address format confirms pre-1970s production before the company’s address standardization I.
Check for the characteristic dull gray appearance of special tinned finish — bright silver indicates modern plating or replacement hooks P. Size marking should be hand-stamped ‘6/0’ in red ink on the label, not printed P.
Store in cool, dry environment to prevent further oxidation of the tin finish. Original cardboard packaging should be preserved as it significantly enhances collector value — the orange label is prone to fading in direct sunlight.
Hooks can be lightly oiled if spotting worsens, but avoid aggressive cleaning that might remove the original tin coating. The dull gray patina is characteristic of aged special tinning and should not be polished to brightness.
Keep box away from moisture which can cause cardboard deterioration and label lifting. Consider archival storage sleeve for the label if handling frequently for display or documentation purposes.
The size marking ‘6/0’ appears to be hand-stamped in red ink on the orange label P. This marking method was standard for Mustad’s size designation system during this era, applied at packaging rather than during hook manufacturing.
The ink quality and placement suggest original factory marking rather than later addition by retailers or anglers I. The consistent red color and positioning align with documented Mustad packaging practices from the 1950s-1960s period I.
| 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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