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The Mustad 3570 is a historical double-hook fly pattern from O. Mustad & Søn’s early export era, manufactured in Christiania, Norway between 1900 and 1924. This particular specimen in Size No. 2 features the manufacturer’s classic japanned (black lacquer) finish, superior branding designation, and tapered blind-shank construction intended for snelling to silkworm gut—still widely used in Atlantic salmon and wet-fly traditions during the early 20th century.
Double hooks provided additional weight, durability, and hooking exposure for heavy river work and large salmon flies. The tapered blind-shank construction distinguishes this hook from later fully eyed production styles that became increasingly dominant during the early-to-mid 20th century. The Christiania location on the packaging provides definitive pre-1925 dating evidence.
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Tapered Blind Shank | Sproat Bend | Double Hook | Heavy Wire | Superior Designation | Japanned Finish
The Superior point geometry on the 3570 was engineered as a compromise solution addressing competing mechanical demands. A hollow point (with its pronounced concave inner face) achieves rapid penetration into soft tissue with minimal applied pressure—ideal for delicate soft-mouthed fish but vulnerable to dulling or rolling on hard bone or debris. A spear point (with its straight, wedge-like taper) provides exceptional structural integrity and frictional hold in the wound channel but requires significantly more force to penetrate past the barb.
The Superior point, with its near-straight inner taper and minimal concavity, splits the difference: it provides sufficient penetration ease for reliable hook-setting while maintaining the structural strength required for sustained battles with heavy salmon. The japanned finish—a baked-on alkyd resin lacquer applied in multiple layers—was standard for heavy salmon work because it sealed the high-carbon steel from the highly corrosive combination of freshwater and salt spray encountered in anadromous fishing. The double-hook configuration provided additional weight to control fly attitude and presentation in heavy current.
The tapered shank (eyeless design) reflects the material reality of the era: silkworm gut was the only reliable fly attachment material, and snelling (whipping gut directly to the shank with fine silk thread) was the universal rigging technique. The taper prevented the snelling knot from sliding off the hook end under tension. As monofilament and nylon lines became standard in the mid-20th century, eyed hooks became universal, rendering this design obsolete for most applications—though it remains valued by purists for authentic historical fly construction.
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O. Mustad & Søn was founded in 1832 by Hans Schikkelstad in the remote village of Gjøvik, Norway, initially as ‘Brusveen Spiger- og Staltradfabrikk,’ producing nails, steel wire, and cast-iron goods. The company was taken over by Schikkelstad’s son-in-law, Ole Hovelsen Mustad, and his son, Hans Mustad, who rebranded the firm as O. Mustad & Søn. The pivotal transformation occurred in 1877 when Mathias Topp, a visionary engineer within the company, invented the first fully automated hook-making machine. This mechanization allowed raw steel wire to be fed continuously into a machine that autonomously cut, bent, barbed, and pointed the hook at unprecedented speeds.
Mustad strategically chose not to patent this revolutionary technology, instead protecting it through corporate secrecy, strict non-disclosure agreements, and restricted factory access. This strategy proved devastatingly effective against rivals in Redditch, England, and manufacturing hubs in Japan and the United States. By the 1950s, Mustad had captured approximately 50% of the global hook production market, establishing sales offices and manufacturing facilities across multiple continents. The firm became synonymous with the fishing hook itself, a status that persists to the present day.
The Mustad 3570 belongs to the double-hook fly series manufactured during the firm’s Christiania-era production phase (pre-1925). Double hooks were a specialized category within Mustad’s vast catalog, representing a niche market for Atlantic salmon and sea trout fly work in Northern European and North American rivers. The 3570 was positioned in Mustad’s mid-tier 3000–3999 Quality code block, indicating manufacturing to exacting dimensional and tempering standards, though not at the premium level reserved for specialized dry fly hooks like the famous Qual. 94840 Viking hook.
The tapered shank design reflects the technological and material reality of the pre-modern era: silkworm gut was the universal fly attachment material, and hooks were designed to be snelled (whipped with fine silk thread) rather than eyed. The japanned (black lacquer) finish was the traditional, expected choice for salmon flies, providing extreme durability and the aesthetic favored by classical fly tiers. The Superior point designation indicates a near-straight inner taper geometry designed for reliable penetration across a range of fish conditions—an all-purpose point suitable for commercial and sport fishing alike.
The double-hook category was eventually displaced by modern single-hook designs as fly-tying techniques evolved and monofilament and nylon gained market dominance over gut in the mid-20th century. However, the 3570 remains historically significant as documentation of the specialized engineering applied to heavy-water salmon work during Mustad’s industrial golden age.
The label explicitly states 'Christiania - Norway,' which provides the definitive chronological bracket. The city of Oslo was officially renamed from Christiania on January 1, 1925. Any Mustad box bearing the Christiania designation can therefore be conclusively dated to 1924 or earlier. The Key Brand trademark typography, the distinctive snowflake-style border pattern, and the overall eight-line label format are all consistent with early 20th-century Mustad packaging standards. The absence of a barcode further supports pre-1974 manufacture, with the Christiania location indicating the firm's initial major export push into global markets, roughly 1895–1924.
Double hooks became highly popular in classic Atlantic salmon fly fishing because they provided additional weight, durability, and hook exposure compared to many single-hook patterns of the era. Many historical fly tiers believed doubles improved presentation stability in powerful currents, although the exact hydrodynamic effects varied with fly dressing style and river conditions. Tapered blind-shank doubles like the Mustad 3570 remained popular among traditional salmon fly dressers well into the early 20th century because they preserved established gut-snelling techniques even after eyed hooks became increasingly common.
The Mustad 3570 represents the mature phase of Mustad’s strategy of reverse-engineering regional hook patterns and producing them with industrial efficiency. The Sproat bend itself originated in Ireland and was perfected by regional craftsmen before Mustad adopted it for global mass production. The tapered shank design draws directly from the pre-industrial era of silkworm gut attachment, when hooks were snelled rather than eyed. The Superior point was Mustad’s own classification—a mid-tier all-purpose geometry designed to balance the rapid penetration of a hollow point with the structural durability of a spear point.
The japanned finish was standard for Atlantic salmon flies across all manufacturers during this period, representing a shared understanding of the material and aesthetic requirements for heavy saltwater and cold-river work. The double-hook configuration itself had roots in 19th-century British and Irish salmon fly tradition, where hand-tied doubles were common for large patterns. Mustad’s contribution was to mechanize and standardize this design, making it affordable and consistent for the mass market.
The 3570 was eventually superseded by modern single-hook designs as fly-tying techniques evolved. However, the design principles embedded in this hook—the emphasis on weight distribution, the all-purpose point geometry, and the marriage of traditional craftsmanship with industrial production—influenced virtually all subsequent Mustad double-hook models and continue to inform contemporary specialist double-hook designs from manufacturers like Partridge of Redditch.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3571 No. 6 — Mustad 3571 Double Fly Hook | 73% | Compare | ||
| 3573 No. 4 — Mustad 3573 Double Fly Hook | 68% | Compare | ||
| 3582 No. 2 — Mustad-Double Fly Hooks | 66% | Compare | ||
| Q No. 8 — Double Low-Water Salmon Hook | 66% | Compare | ||
|
9060 No. 2 — Mustad 9060 Double Parrot Hook | 59% | Compare |
The Mustad 3570 was designed primarily for Atlantic salmon flies, traditional wet flies, and large streamer-style patterns tied for heavy-current fishing conditions. The double-hook configuration added weight and additional hooking surface compared to many single-hook patterns of the period, while the japanned finish provided corrosion resistance appropriate for freshwater and anadromous applications. The tapered blind shank construction reflects traditional gut-snelling practice common during the late 19th and early 20th century transition period, when both eyed and eyeless hook attachment systems coexisted in fly fishing.
Atlantic Salmon wet flies, traditional streamer patterns, classic double-hook salmon flies
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad DL71U (Quality 7070) | Very Good | Modern eyed double hook with similar Sproat bend profile and heavy wire gauge. Maintains historical aesthetic while accommodating contemporary fly line attachment methods. |
| Partridge of Redditch Low Water Double | Very Good | British-made double hook with parabolic bend and similar weight distribution. Preferred by classical Atlantic salmon fly tiers seeking authentic historical performance. |
| Tiemco TMC 7989 | Good | Modern double hook with heavier wire and strong bend. Lacks the historical tapered shank but offers contemporary reliability and ease of use. |
Moderately scarce and historically significant as a Christiania-era Mustad double hook with tapered shank. Strong appeal to classic Atlantic salmon fly tiers and vintage tackle collectors. Primary limiting factor is the common nature of Mustad products themselves and the modest condition of this particular specimen's packaging.
Positive Factors: P Christiania-era production (pre-1925) is definitively established by geographic designation on label. P Double-hook configuration was historically important for heavy water salmon work and is less common in surviving examples than single hooks. P Superior point designation indicates mid-tier quality status within Mustad’s product hierarchy. P Tapered eyeless shank reflects authentic pre-modern construction for silkworm gut snelling. P Japanned finish is original and representative of the era. P The hook specimen itself is intact and functional with no bent, broken, or rolled barbs. P Mustad hooks from the Christiania period command consistent collector interest.
Limiting Factors: P Mustad 3570 was a production model with industrial output; individual hooks lack rarity within the model. P Packaging shows moderate toning and wear, reducing presentation appeal. P No handwritten annotations, special markings, or variants noted that would elevate scarcity. P Double hooks, while historically significant, have smaller collector base than single-hook patterns. I No documented connection to a famous fly tier or published pattern reference elevates the cultural significance.
Original cardboard label with printed text in black ink on off-white paper stock. The label features a decorative snowflake border pattern around the perimeter. Visible text reads: 'Trade' mark (Key Brand logo in upper left), 'Qual. 3570', 'O. MUSTAD & SON', 'MANUFACTURERS', 'CHRISTIANIA - NORWAY', 'Superior', 'Double Fly Hooks', '1/2 Gr.', 'Tapered Japanned', 'Made in Norway', with 'No.' printed in margin (size notation, presumed No. 2). The label shows typical aging with light toning and some surface wear consistent with 120+ years of storage. Paper is brittle but text remains legible. This is a classic eight-line Mustad label format with the Key Brand visual identifier prominently placed.
Value driven primarily by Christiania-era status and tapered shank construction. Complete original packaging in fair condition commands modest premium. Specimens with excellent label condition and undamaged hooks range $20–28 USD at specialist dealers and online auctions. Poor packaging or rough hooks reduce to $12–18 range. Dealer inventory at European tackle fairs typically prices at €12–18 per hook or $15–22 USD. Higher values appear when packaged with other rare Mustad double-hook models or as part of classic fly-dressing collection sales.
Specialist vintage fishing tackle dealers in Norway, UK, and USA. Regular appearance at European tackle fairs and fly-fishing antique markets. eBay listings for Mustad Christiania-era hooks. UK-based specialists in classic Atlantic salmon fly materials. Occasional finds in estate sales of fly-dressing collections.
Store this hook and its original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from direct moisture and humidity. The japanned finish is durable but will develop patina over decades if exposed to fluctuating humidity. Many collectors consider this patina desirable—it documents age and authenticity. However, if you wish to preserve the original jet-black appearance, store in a stable, dry location with consistent temperature (ideally 55–65°F).
Keep the hook on its original cardboard label whenever possible. The label itself is an archival document providing critical dating and model information. Store flat (not standing upright) to prevent bending of the card from gravity. If the card is fragile, place it in a protective archival sleeve or acid-free paper envelope. Never apply tape directly to the label or hooks—this causes permanent damage to the paper and can trap moisture.
Avoid contact with other metals or materials that might cause galvanic corrosion. Do not handle the hooks with bare hands for extended periods, as skin oils can initiate surface corrosion over time. If you must touch the hooks, do so briefly and wash your hands afterward. Store away from strong chemical odors, solvents, or any environment with salt air or industrial pollutants.
Periodically inspect the hooks for any signs of rust or corrosion beginning beneath the japanned finish. If light surface oxidation develops, it does not require intervention—it is part of the natural aging process. However, if deep rust pitting begins, consult a specialist in vintage tackle conservation before attempting any cleaning or treatment.
Source: A Comprehensive Typology and Decryption of Vintage O. Mustad & Søn Hook Labels (Mustad Label Typology Document)
The label on this 3570 packaging exemplifies Mustad’s standardized eight-line typographical format, documented exhaustively in Mustad’s official manufacturing guide. Each line serves a specific function in the industrial labeling system, allowing international wholesalers, regional retailers, and individual anglers to decode the product specifications across linguistic barriers.
Line 1: ‘O. MUSTAD & SÖN’ — The full, unabbreviated manufacturer title. The Norwegian spelling ‘SÖN’ (with diacritic) confirms Norwegian origin and press methodology of the era.
Line 2: ‘MANUFACTURERS’ — Distinguishes Mustad as the primary manufacturer rather than an import agent or repackager. This distinction was historically critical, as the tackle market was saturated with distributors who purchased bulk hooks and rebranded them under secondary names.
Line 3: ‘CHRISTIANIA – NORWAY’ — Specifies city and country of manufacture. The ‘Christiania’ designation provides definitive pre-1925 dating, as the city was officially renamed Oslo on January 1, 1925.
Line 4: ‘Qual. 3570’ — The quality code, indicating Mustad’s tiered product categorization system. The 3000–3999 block denotes ‘Quality’ models manufactured to exacting dimensional and tempering standards—mid-tier products above economy but below premium specifications.
Line 5: ‘Superior’ — The point identifier, exclusively reserved for defining the hook point’s geometric shape and quality grade. ‘Superior’ indicates a near-straight inner taper geometry designed for all-purpose reliability.
Line 6: ‘Double Fly Hooks’ — The pattern name and hook type. This identifies the overarching bend profile and structural configuration (in this case, the Sproat bend manifested as a double-hook system).
Line 7: ‘1/2 Gr.’ — Shorthand for quantity notation. ‘1/2 Gr.’ (half gross) typically indicates 50 hooks per packaging unit, though this varies by region and era.
Line 8: ‘Tapered Japanned’ — Anatomical modifications and metallurgical finish. ‘Tapered’ describes the eyeless, tapered shank design for silkworm gut snelling. ‘Japanned’ specifies the black lacquer finish applied via the traditional alkyd resin baking process.
This eight-line format, consistent across decades of Mustad packaging, represents one of the earliest examples of industrial standardization applied to fishing tackle—a forerunner of modern product specification standards and bar-code labeling systems.
The double-hook configuration represented a specialized branch of fly design dedicated to heavy-water salmon fishing in Northern European and North American rivers. During the era when the Mustad 3570 was manufactured (1900–1924), double hooks were standard equipment for professional salmon gillies and serious sport anglers pursuing Atlantic salmon in conditions of high water and powerful current.
The mechanical principle underlying the double-hook design was elegant: a single hook on a large fly would rotate or tumble in a strong current, presenting an unnatural attitude to feeding fish. The secondary hook below the primary bend acted as a ballast weight and directional control surface, ensuring the fly ‘keeled’ upright throughout the swing, maintaining the correct angle relative to the current. This keeling behavior was critical for fly detection: salmon and sea trout hunt by lateral line sensation as much as by sight, and an upright presentation in strong water was considered more likely to trigger a strike.
The tapered shank design of the 3570 reflects the universal material reality of the era: silkworm gut was the only reliable fly attachment material, and hooks were snelled (whipped with fine silk thread around the tapered shank) rather than fitted with a formed eye. The gut would be soaked in water to soften it, then wound tightly around the shank in a carefully executed knot. The taper prevented the knot from slipping under the mechanical stress of casting and fighting a large fish.
As modern fly-line materials (nylon monofilament, braided shooting heads) and contemporary hook designs gained dominance in the mid-20th century, the practical necessity for double hooks declined. However, classical fly tiers continue to tie doubles for specific historical patterns and for genuine functional advantages in very heavy water where the extra weight provides measurable benefit to fly performance. The 3570 remains a favorite among this community for its historical authenticity and proven mechanical design.
| 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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