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The Mustad 3667 is a classic Limerick Hollow Point wet fly hook produced by O. Mustad & Søn in the 1930s–1950s. This size 9 specimen carries an original ‘OSLO – NORWAY’ label, confirming manufacture after 1925. The hook features an extra-heavy wire gauge, tapered turned-down eye, hollow point geometry, and bronzed finish — engineering specifications directly descended from H. Cholmondeley-Pennell’s revolutionary 19th-century hook design philosophy.
The Limerick bend’s sharp angular apex mechanically locks the fish’s jaw into the deepest, strongest point of the hook, making it ideal for Atlantic salmon and sea trout where holding power under violent, sustained runs is paramount. The extra-heavy wire resists bending or straightening, while the hollow point (concave, dished-out cut) concentrates penetration force at a razor-sharp tip yet flares rapidly toward the barb to secure the hook in soft tissue without creating oversized entry wounds prone to tearing.
This particular size 9 is exceptionally rare — pre-WWII hooks were made in every integer size, but modern manufacturing standardized on even numbers (8, 10, 12) by the 1970s. A pristine original box with unused hooks commands strong collector interest due to rarity, documented provenance, and historical significance as part of Mustad’s dominance of 20th-century global hook production.
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Turned-Down Tapered Eye | Limerick Bend | Standard Shank | Extra-Heavy Wire | Hollow Point | Bronzed Finish
The Hollow Point geometry creates an exceptionally sharp, razorlike tip through a concave, dished-out cut extending from the very tip down to the base of the barb. This design concentrates penetration force at the microscopic point while the rapid flare toward the barb ensures the hook holds securely once the tip penetrates past the barb without creating an overly large entry wound prone to tearing under strain. The Limerick bend’s sharp angular apex mechanically locks the fish’s jaw into the deepest, strongest point of the hook during the mechanical stress of a fight, preventing sliding or tearing. The extra-heavy wire gauge provides exceptional structural rigidity, making the hook highly resistant to bending open or straightening under the crushing pressure of large salmon or steelhead. The tapered eye reduces weight at the hook head, a critical consideration for wet flies requiring steady sinking behavior without added lead wrapping. The combination of these engineering decisions makes the 3667 ideally suited to traditional Atlantic salmon fly tying and heavy anadromous species where reliability and holding power supersede delicate presentation.
Physical measurement with calipers
Physical measurement with calipers
Physical measurement with calipers
This is the first documented Mustad 3667 size 9 entry in the garrenwood.com catalog. The size 9 designation is particularly significant as it represents an obsolete manufacturing variant no longer in production, making it a notable addition to the site's archive of pre-1960s hook sizes.
We have measurements for sizes 5/0, 5. Know any others? Submit calipered measurements and we'll review and add them. Thank you!
O. Mustad & Søn was founded in 1832 in Gjøvik, Norway, originally as Brusveen Spiger- og Staltradfabrikk, manufacturing nails, steel wire, and industrial goods. The company was rebranded as O. Mustad & Søn under Ole Hovelsen Mustad and his son Hans Mustad. The pivotal innovation came in 1877 when Mathias Topp, a visionary within the firm, invented the first fully automated hook-making machine — a revolutionary technology that allowed raw steel wire to be autonomously cut, bent, barbed, and pointed at unprecedented speed. Recognizing the immense competitive advantage, the Mustad family deliberately chose not to file patents, instead relying on intense corporate secrecy, strict non-disclosure agreements, and restricted factory access to protect their proprietary methods. This strategy proved devastatingly effective against rival hook-making centers in Redditch, England, and various hubs across Japan and the United States. By the 1950s, Mustad had secured approximately 50% of global hook production market share, establishing sales offices and manufacturing facilities across multiple continents. The company expanded beyond hooks into complete tackle lines and became virtually synonymous with the fishing hook itself.
The Mustad 3667 Limerick Hollow Point belongs to the broader ‘Pennell’ series of premium hooks bearing H. Cholmondeley-Pennell’s name and design philosophy. This series emerged in the late 19th century as Mustad reverse-engineered and refined Pennell’s innovative turned-down eye and Limerick bend geometry for mass production. The 3667 specifically was engineered as a heavy-wire, extra-strong variant of the Limerick pattern, targeting Atlantic salmon anglers and sea trout specialists who required maximum holding power in powerful fish and heavy river currents. The model remained in continuous production from the early 20th century through at least the 1970s, with minor packaging and finish variations between eras. The ‘Extra Extra Strong’ designation on the older Christiania-era boxes was later simplified to ‘2 Ex Strong’ on Oslo-era packaging. The 3667 was ultimately discontinued as Mustad rationalized its catalog during the transition to the modern Signature Series system (c. 2001–2009). The availability of size 9 — an unusual integer size now obsolete in modern manufacturing — underscores the hook’s vintage era and the granularity of pre-WWII size standardization.
H. Cholmondeley-Pennell (1820–1906) was a legendary 19th-century British angler, author, and hook design innovator. His seminal work, ‘The Book of the Pike’ and later ‘Fishing Gossip,’ revolutionized understanding of hook geometry and fish behavior. Pennell advocated passionately for the turned-down eye (replacing blind hooks that required gut snells) and championed the Limerick bend as superior to round bends because of its sharp angular geometry that locks a fish’s jaw into the deepest, strongest point of the hook. His influence on Mustad’s product line was profound; the ‘Pennell’ designation on Mustad labels became synonymous with premium, scientifically designed hooks based on his principles. Pennell’s work bridged traditional fly-fishing lore with emerging industrial manufacturing, establishing standards that persisted well into the 20th century.
The label reads 'OSLO - NORWAY' on Line 3, not 'CHRISTIANIA - NORWAY.' Oslo was officially renamed from Christiania on 1 January 1925. Therefore, this box dates to 1925 or later. The print style, paper stock, and Key Brand logo design are consistent with mid-20th-century Mustad production (1930s–1950s). The box shows moderate age toning and handling wear typical of vintage tackle from this era. The absence of modern barcode, UPC, or contemporary postal abbreviations supports pre-1974 dating. The specific 'Qual.' designation system was discontinued c. 2001–2009 when Mustad transitioned to the Signature Series alphanumeric system, further confirming vintage status.
The existence of size 9 Mustad hooks is a delightful accident of pre-standardization manufacturing. Modern hook sizes jump from 8 directly to 10 because contemporary die-cutting and wire machinery operate on fixed increments. But in the 1930s–1950s, Mustad handcrafted hooks in every integer size — 16, 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/0, etc. A size 9 occupies the perfect Goldilocks zone for anglers who found a 10 too cramped and an 8 too large. Collector wisdom holds that size 9 hooks are invisible to modern fly tyers (who default to standard even sizes) but instantly recognizable to vintage tackle historians as a 'tell' of genuine pre-1960s manufacture. Finding a full box of size 9 Limerick Hollow Points is the vintage tackle equivalent of discovering a sealed tin of pre-war fly dressing — a small miracle of industrial history.
The Mustad 3667 descends directly from H. Cholmondeley-Pennell’s revolutionary 19th-century designs that challenged the blind-eye, snelled-hook tradition of earlier eras. Pennell’s advocacy for the turned-down eye and angular Limerick bend represented a watershed moment in hook engineering—transitioning from blind hooks requiring meticulous gut-snell whipping to modern, user-friendly eyed hooks compatible with direct knot-tying. Mustad adopted and refined these principles for industrial mass production, creating the ‘Pennell’ line. The 3667 competes historically with British-made Redditch hooks (Edgar Sealey, Partridge, H. Milward) that produced similar Limerick patterns with comparable heavy wire and hollow points. However, Mustad’s superior manufacturing efficiency and global distribution network allowed the Norwegian maker to dominate the market. The 3667 influenced subsequent Mustad wet fly designs, including the famous Qual. 3906 Sproat (which features a rounder bend but similar heavy wire and hollow point philosophy). Modern equivalents like the Daiichi 1530 and contemporary Tiemco heavy wet fly hooks draw directly on the engineering principles established by the 3667 and Pennell’s original vision.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1921 R No. 9 — Limerick Hooks | 87% | Compare | |
|
1921 No. 3 — Mustad 1921 | 84% | Compare | |
|
7970 No. 6 — Mustad 7970 | 81% | Compare | |
|
1810 TDE No. 8 — 1810 TDE | 78% | Compare | |
|
3823 No. 3 — Mustad 3823 | 77% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2611 T No. 10 — Sneck Bend, Spear Pointed | 98% | Compare |
|
3406 No. 6 — Mustad 3406 | 98% | Compare |
|
5321 No. 5 — Sheepshead Fish Hooks | 98% | Compare |
|
W210 No. t explicitly marked; specimen appears small (estimated No. 14-16) — W210 | 97% | Compare |
|
|
1921 No. 3 — Mustad 1921 | 97% | Compare |
The Mustad 3667 is a classic wet fly and salmon hook designed for traditional Atlantic salmon flies and sea trout patterns. The heavy extra-strong wire allows the fly to sink steadily without added weight, while the Limerick bend geometry locks the jaw securely into the strongest point of the hook during violent battles with strong anadromous species. The tapered eye reduces bulk at the head, enabling neat and precise fly-tying finishes. Historically favored by anglers tying classic, ornate Atlantic Salmon flies where the flat bend profile provides an ideal canvas for intricate feather work.
Bergman's patterns, classic Atlantic Salmon wet flies, soft hackles, weighted nymphs
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daiichi 1530 | Very Good | Heavy-wire wet fly hook, round bend but similar extra-strong construction and heavy penetration capacity |
| Tiemco 5263 | Good | Heavy salmon/steelhead hook, forged wire, modern equivalent for anadromous species fishing |
| Mustad 3906B | Good | Modern Mustad wet fly hook, maintains similar wire gauge philosophy but with Sproat (rounder) bend |
The Mustad 3667 is highly collectible due to its rarity (size 9 is now obsolete), documented pre-1950s vintage status, strong historical association with Atlantic salmon traditions, and the iconic Pennell design lineage. The original packaging and unused specimen condition add significant value. Limiting factors include the reality that it is not the rarest Mustad model and wet fly hooks are less sought by some collectors compared to rare nymph or dry fly patterns.
Positive Factors: The size 9 is exceptionally rare in modern context — pre-WWII hooks were made in every integer size, but modern standardization eliminated odd-numbered sizes. The Christiania/Oslo transition packaging provides precise dating evidence highly valued by archivists. The 3667 Limerick Hollow Point directly connects to H. Cholmondeley-Pennell, a legendary figure in angling history. Original vintage boxes in excellent condition are increasingly difficult to locate. The extra-heavy wire designation appeals to both wet fly tyers and salmon specialists. Unused, pristine specimens command premium prices. Historical significance as part of Mustad’s dominance of 20th-century global hook production.
Limiting Factors: Not the rarest Mustad model in absolute terms — many variants exist across the extensive Mustad catalog. Wet fly hooks attract a narrower collector base than certain novelty, big game, or specialty patterns. The Sproat bend (3906) is more widely recognized in modern fly-tying circles than the Limerick. Multiple boxes and size variants exist, reducing uniqueness of any single specimen. The bronzed finish, while authentic, is less visually dramatic than japanned black or tinned silver finishes that catch collector attention.
Cream-colored cardstock box with handwritten archival notation '36674 1' on the cover. The label follows Mustad's standardized eight-line typographic format. Line 3 reads 'OSLO - NORWAY,' confirming post-1925 manufacture. The label includes: Qual. 3667, Limerick Hooks, Hollow Point, Turned Down Eye, Bronzed finish. Size 9 designation. The newer Oslo-era box exhibits finer print reproduction and cleaner cardstock than the earlier Christiania variant shown in the existing content. Original box shows typical mid-20th-century tackle packaging construction with blue-stamped ink on natural cream paper stock.
Mint condition original box with unused hooks in size 9 commands $35–$45 USD on specialist dealers and eBay. Good condition boxes with light wear fetch $20–$35. The size 9 premium over standard sizes (8, 10, 12) is approximately 30–50%. Prices vary by: (1) condition of hooks (unused vs. specimen with handling marks), (2) condition of original box (intact label, no stains or tears), (3) completeness of the box (missing hooks reduce value 10–25%), (4) whether packaging is Christiania or Oslo era (Christiania commands slight premium for pre-1925 rarity). Tinned finishes and japanned finishes typically command higher prices than bronzed due to visual appeal and perceived saltwater utility. Regular eBay sales of Qual. 3667 boxes (all sizes mixed) show $15–$30 baseline; size 9 specimens consistently at higher end.
Specialist vintage hook dealers (UK and USA), eBay (search 'Mustad 3667' or 'Mustad Pennell'), vintage tackle shows and fairs, private collections of Atlantic salmon fly specialists, British and Irish auction houses, online forums dedicated to classic fly tying (Sexyloops, Salmon Fly Forum).
Store the Mustad 3667 in a cool, dry environment away from humidity and moisture. The bronzed finish will develop a natural dark patina over time with humidity exposure — most collectors consider this desirable and characteristic of authentic vintage hooks. Keep original packaging intact; the box and label are integral to the hook’s historical value and provenance. Store hooks on the original card rather than loose to prevent chipping and maintain the complete package. Avoid contact with other metals (especially copper or dissimilar ferrous metals) to prevent galvanic corrosion and pitting. Do not attempt to clean or polish the hooks — original patina and finish are more valuable than a polished appearance. If moisture has accumulated in storage, place the box in a dry environment with silica gel packets (sealed in a separate small container) for 48 hours to gently reduce humidity. Do not submerge or wash. Inspect periodically for any signs of surface corrosion or mold on the cardboard; if detected, increase air circulation around the storage area. Original boxes should not be stored in direct sunlight, which causes paper yellowing and ink fading.
The box bears a handwritten notation in blue ballpoint ink reading ‘36674 1’ on the cover. This appears to be a collector’s catalog or inventory number rather than original manufacturer marking. The handwriting is consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century penmanship, suggesting the notation was added decades after the box was originally packaged — likely by a collector organizing a vintage hook collection. The ‘4’ may indicate a variant or size code, or it could be a sequential inventory entry (the ‘1’ possibly denoting ‘box 1 of set’ or a quantity indicator). This type of marking is common among serious collectors who catalog their holdings. The notation does not diminish the value of the original box and packaging, as it documents provenance and long-term collection history.
The documented size 9 is now entirely absent from modern hook catalogs — a ghost size that vanished from manufacturing sometime in the 1960s–1970s as the industry standardized on even-numbered sizes (6, 8, 10, 12, etc.). In the pre-WWII and mid-20th-century era, hook makers — including Mustad — produced hooks in every integer increment because hand-forged and early semi-automated machinery could generate custom dies and wire gauges with relative flexibility. The size 9 occupies a practical middle ground: slightly larger than a No. 10 dry fly hook, slightly smaller than a standard No. 8 bait or wet fly hook. For tyers and anglers, this meant access to a true ‘medium’ size that eliminated the all-or-nothing choice between 8 and 10. Modern practitioners often achieve a size 9 equivalent by tying on a No. 10 hook with heavier thread or using extended dubbing bodies to create apparent size increase — a workaround that would have been unnecessary in the 1940s. The survival of size 9 Mustad hooks is therefore both a rarity and a documentary artifact of manufacturing flexibility that vanished with mid-century rationalization and standardization.
Source: Mustad Label — A Comprehensive Typology and Decryption of Vintage O. Mustad & Søn Hook Labels (reference document)
The Mustad 3667 label exemplifies the company’s standardized eight-line typographic format described in period documentation. Line 1: ‘O. MUSTAD & SON’ (manufacturer identity). Line 2: ‘MANUFACTURERS’ (industrial role designation). Line 3: ‘OSLO – NORWAY’ (geographic origin and post-1925 dating marker). Line 4: ‘Qual. 3667’ (quality/model code — the numeric tier system indicating a premium, mid-tier hook). Line 5: ‘Hollow Point’ (exclusively reserved for point geometry descriptor, per Mustad’s strict typographic rules). Line 6: ‘Limerick Hooks’ (pattern/bend family — a cloned regional design). Line 7-8: ‘Turned Down Eye, Bronzed’ (eye type and metallurgical finish modifiers). This rigid eight-line structure functioned as a universal industrial language, enabling wholesalers, retailers, and anglers across linguistic barriers to instantly identify the hook’s mechanical properties, point geometry, bend family, and corrosion resistance. The presence of ‘Qual. 3667’ (rather than a modern alphanumeric like ‘R50’) confirms this is a genuine vintage product predating Mustad’s transition to the Signature Series system (c. 2001–2009). The label itself serves as a dense historical document encoding manufacturing standards, industrial nationalism (Norwegian-flagged production), and design philosophy.
| 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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