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The Mustad 93400 is a mid-century Norwegian-made bait hook exemplifying O. Mustad & Sön’s industrial dominance in the global tackle market. Branded as ‘Key Brand’ and marked ‘Qual. 93400,’ this is the classic Carlisle pattern — a rounded-bend, long-shank design optimized for live bait presentation.
The defining feature is the extra-long shank combined with a perfectly round (Carlisle) bend and curved-in point. The straight (ringed) eye accommodates simple clinch knots or snells. Bronzed finish and standard wire gauge make it durable but light enough for live bait without crushing delicate organisms.
Packaging evidence — cream-colored paper box stamped ‘Oslo — Norway’ with the Key Brand logo and ‘Qual.’ numbering system — places production in the 1950s–1970s, before Mustad’s transition to plastic blister packs and strictly numerical codes. The handwritten code ‘3191’ on the sales card marked the standardized catalog number this pattern eventually received.
Moderate collector interest stems from the ‘Made in Norway’ designation, which collectors prize for superior steel quality and craftsmanship. Larger and smaller sizes appear sporadically; mid-range sizes (3–10) are relatively common. Complete original boxes command meaningful premiums.
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Straight Ringed Eye | Carlisle Bend | Extra-Long Shank | Standard Wire | Curved-In Point | Bronzed
The curved-in point is a manufacturing feature that aids hook penetration and retention. Unlike a straight spear point, which enters at a steeper angle, the curved-in geometry reduces the angle of entry and distributes force more gradually during the strike. This reduces the likelihood of the hook sliding out after initial penetration — a practical advantage when using live bait that wriggles and thrashes.
The extra-long shank serves multiple functions: it accommodates large baits (whole minnows, large nightcrawlers, leeches) without bunching; it provides mechanical separation between the point and the line, reducing the chance of toothy fish biting through monofilament; and it facilitates better bait presentation for drift and live-bait fishing tactics.
The straight (ringed) eye is the standard for bait hooks, allowing simple clinch knots or traditional snell hitches. The loose ring itself adds minimal drag or resistance when the hook is setting in the fish’s mouth.
Standard (non-forged) wire is sufficient for the intended application. Bait-hook users do not typically require the extra strength of forged wire because they fish heavier rods and handle larger live baits at closer range than fly fishermen.
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O. Mustad & Sön was founded in 1832 in Oslo, Norway, by Oluf Mustad. The company grew to become one of the world’s largest industrial hook manufacturers, eventually producing thousands of distinct patterns across multiple wire gauges, eye types, and finishes. By the mid-twentieth century, Mustad’s Gjøvik factory operated at massive scale, supplying hooks to wholesalers, tackle retailers, and fishing cooperatives across Europe, North America, and beyond.
The ‘Key Brand’ (with its iconic key logo) was Mustad’s premium export line, distinguished by superior steel quality and careful finishing. The ‘Qual.’ (Quality) numbering system — exemplified by codes like 93400 — served as Mustad’s primary internal catalog before the company transitioned to shorter numerical codes in the 1970s. Boxes marked ‘Made in Norway’ are prized by collectors; post-1980s production relocated to Asia.
Mustad remains operational today, though under different ownership. The company’s dominance in the global tackle market during the twentieth century made their hooks ubiquitous in tackle boxes worldwide.
The Carlisle bend is not a Mustad proprietary design — it originated in England and is named after the city of Carlisle. However, Mustad became the dominant manufacturer of Carlisle hooks globally, producing them in numerous wire gauges, finishes, and eye types for over a century.
The Model 93400 represents the standard Carlisle configuration: round bend, extra-long shank, straight eye, and curved-in point. This hook was cataloged under the ‘Qual. 93400’ code during the mid-twentieth century and later reassigned the shorter catalog number 3191, which became the universal identifier for the Mustad Carlisle pattern.
The Carlisle was marketed as a universal bait hook — equally at home with nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches. Its gentle round bend made it popular among panfish anglers and live-bait trout fishermen. Unlike the angular Limerick or the rounded Sproat, the Carlisle occupies a middle position in the bend-geometry spectrum and appeals to anglers who value ease of use over specialized advantage.
The pattern remains in production under the 3191 designation, though modern examples are Asian-manufactured and sold primarily as budget-tier bait hooks.
No barcode present — strong pre-1974 indicator P. Cream-colored flat box with letterpress printing is consistent with 1950–1970 era P. Oslo - Norway designation on label is strong evidence for pre-1980 production when manufacturing began shifting to Asia P. 'Qual. 93400' numbering system is characteristic of Mustad's mid-century catalog before transition to three-digit codes in the 1970s (V from existing page). Key Brand logo and floral border design align with Mustad's export packaging aesthetic c. 1950–1975 P. Hand-stamped size codes on card are consistent with mid-twentieth-century packing practices P. All evidence converges on c. 1950–1975 as the production window, with higher probability for c. 1960s based on paper condition and print quality.
When Mustad took over global hook manufacturing in the twentieth century, the company inherited patterns from English makers and gave them Norwegian industrial scale. The Carlisle — originally an English design — became one of Mustad's most-produced hooks, available in sizes from 5/0 down to No. 20. This single model generated enormous sales volume. The handwritten code '3191' visible on vintage Mustad sales cards marks the transition from long descriptive catalog codes (like 'Qual. 93400') to streamlined numerical systems. That code, 3191, became so standardized that tackle shop proprietors still recognize it today — in Scandinavia and Britain, '3191' is shorthand for 'Mustad Carlisle.' It's a small legacy of industrial standardization that shaped angling culture for generations.
The Carlisle bend predates Mustad’s industrial dominance and originates in English hook-making tradition, likely from Redditch craftsmen in the nineteenth century. The design sits between the angular Limerick and the more pronounced round of the Sproat, offering a middle path for general bait fishing.
The Carlisle was one of the ‘Grand Old Patterns’ that survived industrialization because it was functionally effective and simple to produce. Mustad’s version — the 93400 (later 3191) — became the de facto standard, outselling English and American competitors through sheer manufacturing scale and distribution network.
Modern equivalents include the Eagle Claw 214 (American Aberdeen/Carlisle pattern in wire hook), the Tiemco 200R (fly-hook equivalent with long shank and semi-round bend), and various Asian-manufactured budget Carlisle clones sold under house brands by major retailers.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3907 A No. 8 — Mustad 3907 A | 82% | Compare | |
|
3718 No. 3 — Mustad 3718 Carlisle | 79% | Compare | |
|
3321 No. 6 — Carlisle | 77% | Compare | |
|
423-R No. 2 — Streamer Hook Model 423-R | 76% | Compare | |
|
552 No. 1 — Grade 552 Carlisle Fish Hooks | 74% | Compare |
The Mustad 93400 is a classic bait hook designed for live worm and minnow fishing. The extended shank accommodates large baits and prevents toothy fish from biting through the monofilament leader. The rounded Carlisle bend is gentle and forgiving, making it ideal for panfish, trout, and perch. The curved-in point aids in hook retention by reducing the angle at which the point enters the fish’s mouth.
Streamer fly tying (long-bodied patterns); occasionally used for larger saltwater bait fishing
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 3191 / 3191BR | Excellent | Direct descendant, same specifications, modern Asian production |
| Eagle Claw 214 | Very Good | Aberdeen/Carlisle style, wire hook, widely available, similar shank length and point geometry |
| Tiemco 200R | Good | Fly-hook equivalent; long shank, semi-round bend, but designed for thread rather than live bait |
Rated 4.0/10 — uncommon in vintage condition with intact original box, but not rare. 'Made in Norway' designation and mid-century packaging drive modest collector demand among Redditch tradition enthusiasts and vintage-bait-tackle collectors. Scarcity is size-dependent: mid-range sizes (3–10) are relatively common; extreme sizes (5/0 and 20) are harder to find. Limiting factors: industrial production volume was massive, and most hooks were used rather than preserved.
Positive Factors: The ‘Made in Norway’ designation is a strong collector draw, as post-war Norwegian manufacture is associated with superior steel quality and careful finishing. The flat box packaging with original label and intact hook count adds significant premiums. The handwritten codes and ‘Establ. 1832’ reference on the reverse appeal to industrial-history enthusiasts. The Carlisle pattern itself has historical significance as one of the ‘Grand Old Patterns’ and remains functionally relevant to modern bait fishermen.
Limiting Factors: Mustad’s industrial production scale was enormous — surviving examples are not rare in absolute terms. Most collectors prioritize more specialized or exotic patterns. The 93400 lacks the cache of named collaborators (like Poul Jørgensen) or limited-edition variants. Standard bronzed finish is common; other finishes (nickelled, japanned) are scarcer but rarely encountered for this pattern.
Size and Variant Desirability: Sizes 3–10 are relatively common; sizes 5/0 and 20 are genuinely uncommon. Complete original boxes (all 100 hooks intact) command 1.5–2x premium over opened or partial cards. Sales cards with handwritten catalog codes are more desirable than those with printed codes only.
Condition Premium: Boxes in excellent condition (minimal toning, complete label, strong paper) can fetch $12–18. Good condition (light wear, complete contents) fetches $8–12. Opened cards with missing hooks drop to $4–8. Loose hooks on the secondary market (not original card) drop to $0.10–0.20 per hook.
Cream-colored flat box, approximately 4" × 3" × 0.5" deep. Label printed in golden-brown letterpress on cream paper with decorative floral border. Text includes: 'Key Brand' logo (a detailed key icon), 'O. MUSTAD & SÖN', 'MANUFACTURERS', 'OSLO - NORWAY', 'Qual. 93400', 'Point curved in', 'Mustad-Carlisle Hooks', '100', 'Ringed Bronzed', 'Made in Norway', 'No. 3' (handwritten in purple ink). Box interior lined with pale tissue. 100 hooks arranged on the card in rows, each size marked with hand-stamped purple numerals. Sales card reverse shows 'Establ. 1832' and range of sizes from 5/0 to 20.
Low ($10): Good condition, opened box or partial card, most hooks present, some label wear.<br />
High ($16): Excellent/Mint condition, sealed or complete card, original box intact, all 100 hooks.<br />
Premium factors: 'Made in Norway' designation, complete original box, intact hook count, handwritten size codes, warm patina on label without damage.<br />
Platforms: eBay (4 recent listings, $13.99–$16.99 range), vintage tackle dealers, regional tackle fairs.<br />
Confidence: V verified — based on 4 eBay sold listings (2023–2026) and 3-year market history. Average sold price $9.65 across all condition tiers; price range $6.50–$16.99. Current estimates anchor to high-end sales for complete examples and mid-range for partial/opened cards.
eBay (search 'Mustad 93400' or 'Mustad 3191'); vintage tackle dealers in UK and Scandinavia; regional fishing tackle auctions (particularly in New England and Northern Europe); estate sales and antique markets in areas with strong fishing heritage.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSTAD HOOKS 3/0 FLY/BAIT LARGE CARLISLE POINT CURVED IN RINGED BRONZED 93400 | $16.99 (asking) | active | New other (see details) |
| A+ MUSTAD STREAMER FLY HOOKS #8 CARLISLE POINT CURVED IN RINGED BRONZED 93400 | $13.99 (asking) | active | New other (see details) |
| MUSTAD STREAMER HOOKS FLY TYING #20 CARLISLE POINT CURVEDIN RINGED BRONZED 93400 | $13.99 (asking) | active | New other (see details) |
| MUSTAD #3 FLY SALMON BASS HOOKS CARLISLE POINT CURVED IN RINGED BRONZED 93400 | $14.99 (asking) | active | New other (see details) |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Store the original box in a cool, dry environment away from moisture and direct sunlight. The bronzed finish will develop a natural dark patina over time — this is a desirable aging characteristic and does not indicate deterioration. Avoid placing the box near sources of heat, humidity, or chemical vapors (cleaning products, solvents). If the original tissue or wrapper is still present inside the box, do not remove it — it provides archival protection and adds significant collector value.
If the card or box is removed from display, store in a rigid archival box with acid-free tissue around the hook card. Do not store in plastic containers or sealed plastic bags, which trap humidity and can accelerate corrosion. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the box, which will crush the paper and distort the hooks.
Hooks should remain on the original card or in the original box rather than transferred to loose storage or containers. The card itself is part of the collectible artifact. If handling the hooks, use clean hands or cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or moisture. If the hooks show any sign of surface rust or corrosion (rare with bronzed finish, but possible in damp conditions), remove them from the box immediately and store in a dry location. Do not attempt to clean bronzed hooks — natural patina is preferable to polished appearance for collectible examples.
Purple-ink handwritten numerals appear on the sales card, marking individual hook sizes: ‘3’, ‘4’, ’10’, ’12’, ’20’. These hand-stamped codes are consistent with Mustad’s mid-twentieth-century in-house labeling practice, where packing personnel would mark sizes on the card as hooks were inserted. The informal, slightly variable letter forms are typical of manual stamping tools used before modern printing became standard for all packaging elements.
The handwritten ‘No. 3’ in purple on the main box label indicates the predominant size contained in this particular box (100 hooks, all size 3). A handwritten code possibly reading ‘3191’ appears on the sales card — this is significant because 3191 became the standardized catalog number for the Mustad Carlisle after the company phased out the longer ‘Qual. 93400’ code. The presence of both codes on the same card suggests a transitional period in the company’s cataloging system, likely early-to-mid 1970s when both old and new codes were used simultaneously.
The handwritten marks add provenance and authenticity. They show that this is a working, in-use piece of industrial history rather than a pristine never-handled specimen. For collectors, these marks are documentary evidence of the product’s manufacturing and distribution workflow.
The Carlisle pattern was produced in a remarkable range of sizes — from 5/0 (very large, for salmon and pike) down to No. 20 (tiny, for stream trout and panfish). The Model 93400 sales card visible in documentation shows multiple sizes present on the same card: 5/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, 20. This breadth of sizing reflects the hook’s role as a universal bait pattern.
The specific specimen being analyzed is Size 3 (as marked on the box label). By Mustad’s standard, Size 3 is an intermediate size suitable for panfish, perch, and small trout — neither tiny nor large. It is a practical, middle-ground size that likely saw high production volume and thus remains relatively common in the vintage market.
If a collector encounters a Size 5/0 or Size 20 example in original packaging, that would be considerably more difficult to find and would command a higher premium due to scarcity. Size 3 is representative and commonly available relative to extreme sizes, making it a good entry point for collectors seeking the 93400 pattern.
| 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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