Mustad Hooks – 36890
At-a-Glance Summary
The Mustad 36890 represents the pinnacle of mid-20th century salmon hook engineering, featuring premium black oval wire construction and the traditional Limerick bend profile cherished by salmon fly tyers. Manufactured in Norway between 1950-1970, this hook was specifically designed for classic Atlantic salmon flies requiring superior strength and the distinctive angular bend geometry.
The oval wire cross-section provides exceptional beam strength while maintaining a streamlined profile in the water. The turned-up looped eye accommodates heavy salmon leaders while the Dublin point ensures reliable penetration. The black japanned finish was the traditional choice for salmon irons, providing corrosion resistance and the preferred aesthetic for classic patterns.
This size 3/0 specimen represents the heavy-duty end of the salmon fly spectrum, suitable for high water conditions and large fish. The vintage packaging with eight-line format and Key Brand logo confirms authentic mid-century production during Mustad’s golden era of specialty hook manufacturing.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | mustad |
| Model / Code | 36890 |
| Full Name | Mustad-Limerick |
| Size Documented | 3/0 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1950-1970 |
| Country of Origin | Norway |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Looped Eye |
| Eye Orientation | Turned Up |
| Eye Notes | Turned-up looped oval eye with wire return running parallel to shank for approximately 0.25 inches, providing exceptional strength distribution P |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Forged (laterally compressed) — forged construction confirmed |
| Est. Wire Diameter | 0.040"-0.050" (1.0-1.3 mm) |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Limerick |
| Bend Notes | Classic Limerick geometry with sharp angular transition at bottom of bend, deeper than standard modern interpretations P |
| Point Style | Other |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Barb | Dublin point with distinct outward angle, medium taper length typical of salmon fly specifications P |
| Finish | Black Japanned — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Finish Notes | Deep black japanned finish with slight sheen, uniform coverage with minimal wear on specimen P |
| Condition | Hook shows excellent condition with intact finish, minimal handling wear, packaging shows age toning but remains structurally sound |
The oval wire profile increases the hook’s beam strength significantly compared to round wire of equivalent weight, making it highly resistant to straightening under the stress of large salmon. The Dublin point angles slightly outward from the shank axis, ensuring the point engages tissue immediately upon strike even with the bulk of heavy wire and full dressing materials. The Limerick bend’s angular bottom section locks the fish’s jaw securely while providing the classic silhouette essential to traditional salmon fly proportions.
Technical Measurements
* Catalog record — no physical specimen measured for this size
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~2.31" (~58.7 mm) V |
| Shank Length | ~1.51" (~38.2 mm) V |
| Bend Depth | ~0.72" (~18.2 mm) V |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.06" (~1.5 mm) V |
| Confidence | V Catalog record only |
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.72"-1.76" (~43.7-44.7 mm) P |
| Shank Length | 1.00"-1.10" (25.4-27.9 mm) |
| Gap Width | ~0.48"-0.52" (~12.2-13.2 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | 0.50"-0.60" (12.7-15.2 mm) |
| Measurement Method | Physical measurement with calipers |
| Confidence | P Physical specimen |
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.26" (~32.1 mm) V |
| Shank Length | ~0.85" (~21.7 mm) V |
| Bend Depth | ~0.38" (~9.8 mm) V |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.04" (~1.0 mm) V |
| Confidence | V Catalog record only |
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~0.99" (~25.1 mm) V |
| Shank Length | ~0.67" (~17.1 mm) V |
| Bend Depth | ~0.31" (~7.9 mm) V |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.03" (~0.8 mm) V |
| Confidence | V Catalog record only |
Measurements taken with physical calipers on size 3/0 specimen. Overall length and gap width confirmed to ±0.02 inches. Grid measurements used for validation and dimensional consistency.
Historical Context
mustad
O. Mustad & Søn was founded in 1832 in Gjøvik, Norway, by Hans Schikkelstad, initially operating as ‘Brusveen Spiger- og Ståltrådfabrikk’ producing nails and steel wire. The company was later taken over by Ole Hovelsen Mustad and his son Hans, who rebranded it as O. Mustad & Søn. The pivotal moment came in 1877 when Mathias Topp invented the first fully automated hook-making machine, giving Mustad an unprecedented competitive advantage through mechanization and industrial secrecy rather than patents.
Series History
The 36890 was part of Mustad’s premium salmon hook series, introduced in the early 20th century to meet the demands of Atlantic salmon fly fishing. This series featured oval wire construction, a costly manufacturing process that Mustad employed for their highest-grade salmon irons. The series was discontinued in the 1970s as modern production methods favored round wire construction for cost efficiency.
Era and Packaging Dating
Label shows 'Oslo - Norway' indicating post-1925 manufacture when city name changed from Christiania. Eight-line typographical format, Key Brand logo, and paper label construction are characteristic of mid-20th century Mustad export packaging.
The oval wire used in the Mustad 36890 required specialized rolling mills and increased manufacturing time by 300% compared to round wire production. Despite the added cost, Mustad maintained this premium construction for salmon hooks because the structural advantages were considered essential by discerning salmon anglers who might battle fish weighing 20-40 pounds in powerful Atlantic currents.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Limerick bend originated in Ireland and became the standard for salmon flies throughout the British Isles. Mustad’s 36890 represents their interpretation of this traditional Irish pattern, enhanced with Norwegian industrial precision and oval wire technology. This hook influenced later salmon hook designs, though few manufacturers maintained the expensive oval wire construction after the 1970s.
Related by Attribute
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 1937 — Edgar S 1937 | 79% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Gap, Eye, Eye Orient. +4 more Differs: Wire: Standard vs Heavy (1X Heavy); Point: Other vs Standard / Spear; Application: Wet Fly, Streamer, Salmon, Sea Trout vs Salmon, Sea Trout, Display |
Compare | |
|
4707 No. 4/0 — 4707 | 79% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Gap, Shank Feat. +1 more Differs: Eye: Looped Eye vs Ball Eye; Eye Orient.: Turned Up vs Straight / Inline; Point: Other vs Hollow Point +3 more |
Compare |
|
1937 No. 2/0 — Iron Arm Spear Pointed Limerick | 75% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Gap, Finish +2 more Differs: Eye: Looped Eye vs Ball Eye; Eye Orient.: Turned Up vs Straight / Inline; Point: Other vs Hollow Point +2 more |
Compare |
|
36814 No. 6 — Mustad 36814 Limerick | 75% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Gap, Eye +4 more Differs: Point: Other vs Hollow Point; Forging: Forged (laterally compressed) — confirmed vs Forged (laterally compressed); Application: Wet Fly, Streamer, Salmon, Sea Trout vs Wet Fly, Salmon, Sea Trout +1 more |
Compare |
| CS42 No. Size 2 — CS42 Bomber Salmon/Steelhead Dry Fly | 75% |
Matches: Bend, Shank, Wire, Gap, Forging +2 more Differs: Eye: Looped Eye vs ringed; Point: Other vs Standard / Spear; Finish: Black Japanned vs Bronzed +1 more |
Compare |
Related by Shape (SVG)
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
Designed specifically for classic Atlantic salmon flies, particularly fully-dressed feather wing patterns such as Jock Scott, Silver Doctor, and Green Highlander. The 3/0 size accommodates high water conditions and large salmon. The Limerick bend provides the traditional profile expected in salmon fly construction, with the angular bottom section creating an ideal foundation for complex wing materials.
Secondary Applications
Large trout streamers, steelhead flies, sea trout patterns
Classic Fly Patterns
Jock Scott, Silver Doctor, Green Highlander, Durham Ranger, Thunder and Lightning
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partridge CS10/1 Bartleet Supreme | Good | Similar Limerick bend and strength, but round wire construction |
| Daiichi 2051 Alec Jackson Spey | Moderate | Comparable strength and salmon application, different bend geometry |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Scarce |
| Market Value (USD) | $25 – $45 |
| Packaging Condition | Good — moderate wear, legible |
| Packaging Format | MUS-8L-01 |
Positive factors include the premium oval wire construction which was expensive to manufacture, the traditional black japanned finish favored for Atlantic salmon flies, and the Limerick bend heritage from Irish hook-making traditions. The pre-1970 vintage packaging with eight-line format adds historical value. Limiting factors include moderate production quantities and specialization for salmon fly tying which restricts the collector base compared to general-purpose hooks.
Packaging
White cardboard box with printed paper label. Eight-line format with Key Brand logo. Brown printing on cream paper. Shows model Qual. 36890, Dublin Point, Mustad-Limerick Hooks, T. up looped oval eye, Black Oval wire, Made in Norway. Size 3/0 handwritten in blue ink.
Market Value Notes
Premium for intact packaging and oval wire construction. Single hooks without packaging typically $2-5 each.
Where to Find
Specialty salmon fly tying suppliers, vintage tackle auctions, estate sales from salmon anglers
Storage and Preservation
Store in cool, dry conditions to preserve the japanned finish, which can develop surface corrosion if exposed to moisture. The original packaging significantly enhances collector value and should be preserved whenever possible. Avoid handling the hooks directly; oils from skin can affect the finish over time. If displaying, use museum-quality cases with desiccant packets to control humidity. The oval wire construction makes these hooks particularly susceptible to stress fractures if dropped, so handle with care.
Size Notation Analysis
The size ‘3/0’ is handwritten in blue ballpoint pen on both the box label and the specimen cards, indicating retail or dealer inventory marking rather than factory notation. The handwriting style and ink type suggest marking occurred in the 1960s-1970s period, consistent with the packaging era. This practice was common among specialty tackle dealers who would mark sizes clearly for customer identification.
Label Text Analysis
Source: Original Mustad box label, c. 1950-1970
The label text ‘T. up looped oval eye’ and ‘Black Oval wire’ explicitly confirms both the eye construction and the premium oval wire specification. The phrase ‘Made in Norway’ appears at the bottom, emphasizing the Norwegian industrial heritage. The Quality designation ‘36890’ places this hook in Mustad’s premium tier above standard production models, indicating the specialized nature and higher manufacturing standards applied to salmon hooks.
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).