Mustad Hooks – 3191 A
At-a-Glance Summary
The Mustad 3191 A represents the quintessential Carlisle hook pattern, mass-produced by Norway’s industrial fishing tackle giant during the mid-20th century. This size 2 specimen features the characteristic extra-long shank and rounded bend that made the Carlisle design famous for natural bait presentation.
The ‘Key Brand’ packaging with its distinctive blue label and asterisk border dates this example to Mustad’s export heyday of the 1950s-early 1960s. The large ring eye accommodated the thicker braided lines common before monofilament dominance, while the superior point design provided reliable penetration for bait fishing applications.
Beyond its intended bait fishing role, this hook found unexpected popularity among streamer fly tyers who valued the long shank for extended fly bodies and cork popper construction. This crossover appeal adds to its historical significance in American angling culture.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | mustad |
| Model / Code | 3191 A |
| Full Name | Mustad-Carlisle Hooks |
| Size Documented | 2 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1950-1965 |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Ball Eye |
| Eye Orientation | Straight / Inline |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) |
| Shank Length | Extra-Extra Long (XXL) |
| Bend Notes | Carlisle bend - rounded profile with moderate depth, designed for natural bait presentation P |
| Point Style | Superior (near-straight inner taper) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Finish | Bronzed — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Finish Notes | Dark bronze finish with slight warm tone characteristic of period Mustad bronzing process P |
| Condition | Hooks show excellent condition with intact bronzed finish. Packaging shows age-appropriate toning and edge wear but remains structurally sound with all text legible. |
The superior point design features a near-straight inner taper that provides excellent penetration while maintaining strength. The large ring eye accommodates heavy lines and leaders without binding. The extended shank length (approximately 3.5-4 times the gap width) prevents natural baits from bunching while allowing multiple hook points along lengthy baits like nightcrawlers.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: (unspecified). Method: Grid-derived from photograph (1/10" grid).
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~2.10-2.30" (~53-58 mm) E |
| Shank Length | ~1.60-1.80" (~41-46 mm) E |
| Gap Width | ~0.40-0.50" (~10-13 mm) E |
| Bend Depth | ~0.50-0.60" (~13-15 mm) E |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~3.4-4.0 : 1 |
Shank: approximately 17 squares = ~1.70". Gap: approximately 4.5 squares = ~0.45". Overall: approximately 22 squares = ~2.20". Grid alignment is clear for reliable measurements.
Historical Context
mustad
O. Mustad & Søn, founded in 1832 by Ole Mustad in Gjøvik, Norway, grew from a small nail-making operation into the world’s largest hook manufacturer. Under the leadership of Hans Møller Mustad in the late 1800s, the company revolutionized hook production through mechanization and quality standardization. By the 1950s, Mustad’s Norwegian factory was producing millions of hooks annually for global distribution, with the ‘Key Brand’ line representing their premium export offerings to American and European markets.
Series History
The 3191 series represented Mustad’s standardization of the traditional Carlisle pattern, originally developed by British hook makers in the 19th century. The ‘A’ designation indicated the large ring eye variant, distinguishing it from ball-eye and tapered-eye versions. This series remained in production through the 1960s before being superseded by lighter-wire Aberdeen-style patterns as fishing techniques evolved toward finesse presentations.
Era and Packaging Dating
Blue paper label with asterisk border pattern typical of Mustad's mid-century export packaging. 'O. MUSTAD & SÖN' spelling with umlaut indicates export market version (Norwegian 'Søn' modified for international markets). 'Key Brand' logo and overall typography consistent with 1950s-early 1960s Mustad packaging. No postal codes or modern phone formatting visible.
While designed for bait fishing, the Mustad 3191 A became a secret weapon among early streamer fly tyers who discovered its long shank was perfect for gluing cork bodies when creating poppers and sliders. This unintended application helped bridge the gap between traditional bait fishing and the emerging warm-water fly fishing techniques of the 1960s.
Design Lineage and Influence
Related by Attribute
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3190 A No. 3/0 — Superior Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 91% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Gap, Eye +5 more Differs: Finish: Bronzed vs Gold-Plated; Application: Bait, Streamer vs Bait |
Compare |
| 3304 No. Nos. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 — Mustad 3304 | 83% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Eye, Eye Orient. +4 more Differs: Gap: Standard vs Wide; Point: Superior vs Other; Finish: Bronzed vs Bright / Uncoated Steel +1 more |
Compare | |
|
3301 No. #5 (from packaging) — Mustad 3301 Chestertown | 82% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Eye, Point +3 more Differs: Gap: Standard vs Narrow; Eye Orient.: Straight / Inline vs Turned Down; Finish: Bronzed vs Other +1 more |
Compare |
|
3194 N No. 4, 6 — 3194 N | 79% |
Matches: Shank, Wire, Gap, Eye, Eye Orient. +5 more Differs: Bend: Other vs Sproat; Finish: Bronzed vs Nickelled |
Compare |
| 31868 No. No. 8 — Mustad-Carlisle Hooks | 77% |
Matches: Shank, Wire, Gap, Eye, Point +4 more Differs: Bend: Other vs Round / Kendal; Eye Orient.: Straight / Inline vs Turned Down; Finish: Bronzed vs Nickelled |
Compare |
Related by Shape (SVG)
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3192 No. Not stamped on visible label (P) — Carlisle Hook | 99% | Compare |
|
3665A No. No. 4 — Mustad 3665A Limerick | 99% | Compare |
|
3785 No. 3/0 — Mustad 3785 | 99% | Compare |
|
|
3194 N No. 4, 6 — 3194 N | 98% | Compare |
|
33960 No. No. 2 — Mustad 33960 Sproat | 98% | Compare |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
Classic long-shank bait hook designed for natural baits such as nightcrawlers and minnows. The extra-long shank prevents bait bunching and allows for better hook sets on species like walleye, pickerel, and catfish. Also adopted by streamer fly tyers for long-bodied patterns and cork-bodied poppers P.
Secondary Applications
Streamer fly tying, particularly for classic patterns requiring long shanks such as Grey Ghost and early Woolly Buggers
Classic Fly Patterns
Grey Ghost, Woolly Bugger, long-bodied streamers, cork poppers
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Claw 214 | Very Good | Direct modern Carlisle equivalent with similar proportions |
| Mustad 3261 | Good | Modern descendant with Aberdeen styling but similar function |
| Tiemco 200R | Moderate | Fly tying specific with long shank, though semi-dropped point |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $8 – $25 |
| Packaging Condition | Good — moderate wear, legible |
| Packaging Format | MUS-KB-01 |
Positive factors include the distinctive Key Brand packaging from Mustad’s export heyday, the classic Carlisle pattern significance, and the quality Norwegian manufacture. The blue asterisk-border label represents a specific packaging era that appeals to tackle collectors. However, collectability is constrained by the large original production runs and the survival of many examples. The hook’s crossover appeal to both bait fishing and fly tying communities provides broader interest than single-application hooks.
Packaging
Small cardboard box with blue paper label featuring asterisk border pattern. Label reads 'Key Brand O. MUSTAD & SÖN Manufacturers OSLO - NORWAY Qual. 3191 A Superior Mustad-Carlisle Hooks Large ring Bronzed 100 No. 2 Made in Norway'. White base box with typical mid-century construction.
Market Value Notes
Packaged examples in good condition typically sell for $8-15, with mint examples reaching $20-25. Individual hooks have minimal value, but complete boxes with original labels command premium pricing among Mustad collectors.
Where to Find
eBay, vintage tackle shows, estate sales, occasionally at antique shops in fishing regions
Collector's Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive ‘Key Brand’ logo and blue asterisk-border label. The ‘SÖN’ spelling (rather than ‘SON’) indicates export market packaging. Original boxes should contain exactly 100 hooks in bronzed finish with large ring eyes.
Storage and Preservation
Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent deterioration of the blue paper label and cardboard box. The bronzed finish is relatively stable but can develop patina in humid conditions. Keep hooks on original card when possible, as loose hooks have minimal collector value. Avoid handling the label directly to prevent oil transfer and fading. Original packaging adds 200-300% to the value over loose hooks.
Label Analysis
Source: Original Mustad 3191 A box label, photographically documented
The label provides key dating evidence through its typography and terminology. ‘Qual. 3191 A’ uses the abbreviated ‘Quality’ format typical of 1950s Mustad export packaging. The ‘OSLO – NORWAY’ location marking reflects the company’s 1946 corporate restructuring. The asterisk border pattern appears consistently on Key Brand products from this specific era, making it a reliable dating marker for collectors.
Confidence Notation Key
| 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).