Partridge 01 Hooks – Single Wilson Hooks
01 — Single Wilson Salmon
At-a-Glance Summary
The Partridge 01 Single Wilson is a classic low-water salmon iron produced by Partridge of Redditch, England, from approximately the 1930s through the early 2000s. This size No. 2 specimen is housed in its original yellow cardboard packet labeled ‘100’ hooks, marked ‘Made by Partridge of Redditch, England’ and stating ‘Hand Made from Quality Sheffield Steel’ — a characteristic of mid-20th-century Redditch production. The hook features a refined, delicately forged Wilson bend (a bend family rarely documented in modern references), standard wire gauge, looped up-eye suitable for gut-loop attachment, and a japanned black finish typical of traditional salmon irons.
Defining feature: The Wilson bend is a carefully modulated curve — neither as heavy and angular as a Limerick nor as rounded as an Aberdeen — creating a refined low-water salmon presentation geometry. This geometry was essential for clear, low-flow English and Scottish rivers where heavier irons would spook Atlantic salmon and sea trout. The small, closely-cut barb and precise taper point minimize water disturbance while maintaining reliable hook-hold for traditional full-dressed salmon flies.
Era and Evidence: The absence of a barcode, the period letterpress printing and yellow-card format, the ‘Made in England’ marking without a postcode, and the formal ‘Partridge of Redditch’ attribution all point to production in the Redditch-era (c. 1930s–1970s) before the 1996 Mustad acquisition. The packaging style is characteristic of mid-20th-century English hook marketing.
Collecting Significance: Vintage Redditch-made examples of the 01 Wilson are increasingly uncommon. The Wilson bend never achieved the widespread adoption of Partridge’s Bartleet or N Low Water patterns, making it a less-frequently encountered classic. Collectors of English salmon iron traditions, Redditch specialist makers, and vintage tackle find the 01 Wilson an appealing mid-range example of refined low-water design. The original yellow-card packaging significantly adds to value and provenance.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | partridge |
| Model / Code | 01 |
| Full Name | Single Wilson Salmon |
| Size Documented | No. 2 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1930s–1970s |
| Country of Origin | England |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Looped Up-Eye (gut loop) |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Forged (laterally compressed) — forged construction confirmed |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Notes | Wilson bend — characteristic low-water salmon iron with refined, delicate geometry. Moderately curved lower limb with upswept return, distinguishing it from heavier Bartleet or Dublin-style irons. Wire set is smooth and even throughout the bend arc. P |
| Point Style | Standard / Spear |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Barb | Small, closely cut barb positioned just behind the point. Typical of refined salmon-iron barbing convention. Barb angle is swept back slightly. P |
| Finish | Black Japanned |
| Finish Notes | Deep black japanned finish, characteristic of Redditch-era salmon irons. Warm undertones visible under raking light, distinguishing it from modern flat Black finish. Even, uniform application across shank and bend. P |
| Condition | Packets show moderate age toning and edge wear. Yellow field has faded unevenly; black print remains sharp. Labels are securely adhered with no major loss. Boxes are slightly worn at corners. Content hooks are bright with minor oxidation patina consistent with age; no corrosion or damage observed. |
Forging and Wire Set: The 01 Wilson is a fully forged hook — the entire profile from eye to point is shaped from a single piece of Sheffield steel wire. Forging imparts strength and allows the bend geometry to be set under heat and pressure, creating a precise, repeatable shape. The standard wire gauge (approximately 0.052″–0.060″ diameter) balances strength with the refined presentation the low-water application demands.
Bend Geometry and Function: The Wilson bend curves smoothly through the bottom, with a moderate return angle that creates a mid-range gape and lean presentation angle. This geometry is less angular than a Limerick and less rounded than an Aberdeen, making it suitable for traditional tied flies with tapered bodies and conventional feather wings. The looped up-eye accommodates gut loop attachment (traditional) or modern fly line connections. The refined geometry reduces water resistance compared to heavier irons, allowing for subtle presentation on clear, spook-prone rivers.
Point and Barb: The standard-spear point is a fine, inward taper with a small closely-cut barb. This configuration was standard on Redditch-era salmon irons and provides reliable hook-hold with minimal damage to delicate guts or silk bodies during the tied-fly mounting process. The small barb also reduces water turbulence in low-water conditions.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 2. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.57"-1.61" (~39.9-40.9 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~1.00"-1.05" (~25-27 mm) P |
| Gap Width | ~0.40"-0.44" (~10.2-11.2 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~0.55"-0.65" (~14-17 mm) E |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.052"-0.060" (~1.3-1.5 mm) E |
| Weight | Not available |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~2.4–2.5 : 1 |
Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement. Shank length estimated from grid count in photographic images; calibration cross-checked against confirmed gap width. Bend depth measured in profile view; slight angle variation in photographs introduces ±0.1" uncertainty. All measurements reported as ranges to reflect photographic alignment variability. Wire diameter estimated from visual proportion relative to bend geometry; confirm with direct measurement if critical.
Historical Context
partridge
Partridge of Redditch traces its roots to 1836, when Edwin Partridge apprenticed in needle pointing and blueing in Redditch, Worcestershire — England’s historic center of hook and metalwork manufacturing. The family tradition of metalwork continued through the 19th century, with Albert Edwin Partridge working for Wm. Bartleet & Sons at the Crescent Works in 1901, where he gained expertise in salmon iron forging. In 1903, Partridge began manufacturing hooks under his own name, initially crafting trout hooks to order for Captain G.E.M. Hamilton, establishing what would become the ‘Captain Hamilton’ bend — a signature Partridge design that persists in the modern catalog. By 1927, Albert Partridge had established premises at Mount Pleasant, Redditch, and in 1933, A.E. Partridge & Sons Ltd. was formally incorporated as a legal entity. Throughout the mid-20th century, Partridge refined its reputation as a manufacturer of premium specialty hooks, producing patterns on trade commission for major brands including Hardy Brothers, Farlows, and the Army & Navy stores. The company operated continuously in Redditch through the post-war era, developing innovations including the Grey Shadow (PTFE) finish and the modern Waddington shank. In 1970, Albert’s son Ted Partridge sold the company to Alan Bramley, under whose ownership Partridge expanded into international markets and developed new pattern families including the Klinkhamer (with Hans van Klinken) and Oliver Edwards competition nymphs. O. Mustad & Son acquired Partridge in 1996, integrating it into their global manufacturing operation. Production transitioned from Redditch (pre-2005) to Singapore (2005–2008) and finally to Mustad’s Wuxi, China facility (2008–present). In 2009, Fishing Matters Ltd (UK) acquired the Partridge brand from Mustad, returning it to independent British ownership while production remained in China. As of 2026, Partridge operates from offices in Wincanton, Somerset, and maintains one of the broadest specialty hook catalogs in the industry.
Series History
The Partridge Single Wilson (01) does not belong to a formally documented series. It is a standalone model code within the broader Partridge low-water salmon iron family, which includes the N (Low Water Salmon, finer wire), the Q2 (Low Water Double), and the R2A (Outpoint Double). The Wilson bend appears to have originated in the independent Redditch trade in the 19th century and was incorporated into the Partridge catalog sometime in the early-to-mid 20th century, likely around the 1930s when the formal A.E. Partridge & Sons Ltd. structure was established. The model code ’01’ suggests it held a position in a numerical sequence, though the original organizing principle is not documented in surviving public catalogs. Unlike the CS10 Bartleet series (which has /1, /2, /3, /4 variants for single, supreme, blind-eye, and double configurations), the Wilson exists only as a single pattern with no documented variants. Production continued through the Bramley era, the Mustad acquisition, and into the Fishing Matters period, though the Wilson never achieved the iconic status of the Bartleet or the widespread adoption of the N, and it is not prominently featured in contemporary Partridge marketing. Availability has been intermittent; the hook was placed on an ‘on-hold’ list during the Singapore-to-Wuxi transition around 2008 and its current production status (as of 2026) is uncertain without direct verification from Fishing Matters Ltd.
Named Collaborator
The Wilson bend is attributed to a historical designer identified as Wilson, likely an independent Redditch hook maker or collaborator from the 19th century. No further biographical information is available in accessible public sources. The name persisted as a catalog code through Partridge’s modern production history, indicating respect for the original design.
Era and Packaging Dating
Packaging identifies 'Made by Partridge of Redditch, England' in printed letterpress format typical of the Bramley-era (post-1930) production. No barcode present on label — strong indicator of pre-1974 production. Postcode not visible on label; country-of-origin marking 'England' is consistent with Redditch-era output pre-1996. The yellow card with black printed border and simple serif typography is characteristic of mid-20th-century Redditch packaging (c. 1930s–1970s). No Mustad branding, confirming production before the 1996 acquisition.
The Wilson bend represents a little-documented chapter in Redditch salmon-iron design. While Partridge's Bartleet and the N Low Water Salmon became the canonical hooks for English salmon tyers, the 01 Wilson occupied a middle ground — refined enough for presentation on clear summer rivers, but robust enough for sustained fishing. The Wilson pattern appears in scattered references in mid-20th-century fishing journals, particularly in Scottish and northern English contexts, where low-water tactics were essential knowledge. Few modern fly tyers recognize the name; fewer still tie with Wilsons, making vintage examples a quiet reminder of lost design traditions that once seemed indispensable.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Wilson bend predates the Partridge brand itself, originating in 19th-century Redditch trade hook conventions where independent hook makers (including the Bartleet family and related firms) developed multiple competing geometries for low-water salmon fishing. The Wilson design appears to have been adopted or refined by Partridge in the post-1903 era and integrated into the formal catalog by the 1930s, when the 01 code was assigned. Competing contemporary designs included the N (Low Water Salmon, finer wire), the Q (Low Water Double, variant geometry), and imported Norwegian patterns from Mustad. The Wilson never achieved the canonical status of the Bartleet, possibly due to limited marketing or a narrower perceived advantage. By the 1980s, the Wilson had become a secondary pattern in the Partridge catalog, gradually superseded by modern competition-nymph designs and continental patterns.
Downstream influence is minimal in contemporary fly design. The Wilson bend is not the ancestor of modern low-water irons (which derive primarily from Mustad and Daiichi Spey patterns) nor did it inspire named descendants. It remains a historical artifact rather than a living tradition.
Related Models — partridge
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Wilson Salmon (this entry) | This model — Partridge Single Wilson low-water salmon iron, size 2. | This model |
| 02 Wilson Double | Double version of the Wilson bend; successor pattern for multi-hook presentations. | Variant |
| Q2 Low Water Double | Alternative Partridge low-water double using modified Wilson-family geometry; concurrent production line. | Companion model |
| N Low Water Salmon | Finer-wire alternative low-water single; distinct bend family but overlapping application. | Companion model |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The Partridge 01 Wilson Single is a classic low-water salmon iron designed for clear, low-flow conditions where lighter presentation is critical. The refined, delicate bend geometry and standard wire allow for elegant full-dressed salmon fly construction with traditional feather wings and body materials. Primarily used for Atlantic salmon and sea trout on English and Scottish rivers, particularly in late summer and autumn low-water periods when heavier irons would spook fish.
Classic Fly Patterns
Not typically documented with named fly patterns; used as a blank for bespoke full-dressed salmon fly construction.
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partridge 01 Wilson Salmon (current production, China) | Excellent | Direct modern equivalent. Current production is made in Wuxi, China under Fishing Matters Ltd (UK) brand. Bend geometry and finish may vary slightly from vintage Redditch examples. |
| Mustad 80500BL Salmon Single | Very Good | Low-water salmon iron with comparable geometry; often substituted by collectors when Partridge 01 is unavailable. Slightly different bend curvature and wire set. |
| Daiichi 2050 Alec Jackson Spey | Good | Modern spey-pattern substitute; different bend family but similar low-water application and wire gauge. Not a direct geometric match. |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $45 – $85 |
| Packaging Condition | Good — moderate wear, legible |
| Packaging Format | Redditch-era card packet |
Collectability Drivers: The Partridge 01 Wilson Single represents a specific moment in mid-20th-century salmon hook development — the period when refined low-water irons were standard tackle for Atlantic salmon fisheries. Original Redditch-made examples, particularly in smaller sizes like No. 2, are increasingly uncommon as tackle collections age and boxes are dispersed. The yellow-card packaging is iconic and evocative of the pre-Mustad era. Collectors of classic salmon tying, English Redditch traditions, and vintage tackle boxes show genuine but moderate interest.
Limiting Factors: The Wilson bend never achieved the iconic status of the Bartleet or the widespread adoption of the N (Low Water Salmon). Production volumes were likely lower than major patterns, and surviving examples reflect this. Size No. 2 is mid-range and less desirable than the larger, heavier sizes (1/0, 2/0) or the tiny No. 10–14 hooks that specialist tyers prize. Modern fly tyers prefer the wider variety of contemporary patterns; the 01 Wilson is rarely seen in active use.
Most Desirable Variants: Original sealed packets command the highest premium. Multiple-box lots from a single shop or tackle collection are particularly valued. Sizes 1/0, 2/0, and 3/0 (heavier presentation weights) are more sought-after than smaller sizes. Packets with hand-written size notation or shop identifications add provenance value. Condition of the yellow card — bright, unfaded, crisp print — significantly increases value relative to heavily aged or worn examples.
Condition Factors: Sealed or effectively sealed packets (unopened or with tape) command 40–60% premiums over opened cards. Complete hook count (all 100 hooks present) is expected for premium pricing. Missing hooks reduce value proportionally; a card with 15–20 hooks missing might trade at 40–50% of full-count value. Finish condition of the hooks themselves has modest impact — vintage patina is often expected and acceptable. Card condition dominates the value equation.
Packaging
Yellow card packet with black printed border frame. Printed in letterpress. Yellow field contains black text: 'PARTRIDGE / SINGLE WILSON / HOOKS' centered in header. Partridge swan logo (line-cut) at top left. Model code 'CODE 01' in black bordered box. Size field shows hand-stamped or printed numerals ('2'). Quantity field '100' and secondary quantity '25' (likely indicating package size variants). Footer text: 'MADE BY PARTRIDGE OF REDDITCH, ENGLAND' in black sans-serif letterpress. Additional line: 'HAND MADE FROM QUALITY SHEFFIELD STEEL.' No barcode. No postcode. Packet dimensions approximately 2.5" × 1.75" (estimated). Card stock is typical period coated cardboard with slight yellowing from age.
Market Value Notes
Low ($45): Good condition, opened packet, 85–95 hooks present, card shows age toning and minor wear. High ($85): Excellent/near-mint condition, sealed or nearly sealed packet, full count of 100 hooks, card is bright with minimal yellowing or creasing. Premium factors: Sealed status, complete hook count, bright card condition, multiple boxes from a single lot, hand-written shop identification. Platforms: eBay UK and US sales (primary), specialist vintage tackle dealers, Spey Pages classified section. Confidence: V verified — based on eBay sold data (Apr 20, 2023 – Apr 19, 2026), avg $65.24, range $7.50 - $314.99. The wide range reflects significant variation by size, packaging condition, and lot size (single packet vs. multiple boxes); size 2 mid-range packets typically cluster in the $40–$80 range.
Where to Find
eBay.co.uk and eBay.com (search 'Partridge 01 Wilson') are the primary source. Vintage tackle dealers specializing in Redditch hooks (UK-based dealers particularly active). Spey Pages classified section and Classic Fly Rod Forum classifieds occasionally feature lots. Tackle fairs in the UK (particularly those in Worcestershire and the West Midlands near the historic Redditch region) and major fly-fishing conferences. Rarely seen in US tackle shops; transatlantic shipping adds 20–30% to acquisition cost.
eBay Market Reference
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD.
Storage and Preservation
Store all hooks in a cool, dry environment away from moisture and temperature fluctuations. The japanned black finish, while durable, will develop a warm patina over time if exposed to humidity — this is generally considered desirable by collectors and does not indicate damage. Original yellow-card packaging should be retained and stored flat in archival acid-free folders or boxes; avoid stacking heavy items on top of packets, which can crush the card and damage the hook barbs.
If cards must be opened for inspection or use, store the hooks in acid-free glassine envelopes or small glass vials to prevent oxidation and cross-contamination with other metals. Avoid contact between the japanned hooks and ferrous materials (iron, steel rulers, etc.), which can cause localized galvanic corrosion or scratching. Do not attempt to clean or polish the finish with abrasive materials; a soft dry cloth is sufficient for light dusting. Handle hooks by the shank only, never by the point, to avoid dulling the edge or introducing skin oils that accelerate oxidation. Sealed or nearly-sealed packets should be left unopened if condition and value are priorities — the hermetic seal preserves the interior finish quality and adds significant premium to collector value.
Handwritten Notations and Numbering
The packets in this lot display hand-stamped or printed size numerals (‘2′, ’12’, etc.) in the dedicated size field on the packet label. These numerals appear to be applied during the packet-assembly process at the Redditch factory, likely using a rubber stamp or printing press fitted with interchangeable numbers. The stamping is consistent across all visible packets, suggesting a standardized procedure rather than hand-written individual marking. The quality and uniformity of the strikes indicate factory-controlled production rather than retailer repackaging or inventory marking. No additional handwritten annotations (shop names, prices, dates, or owner signatures) are visible on the documented packets, which is consistent with standard-issue wholesale/retail hook packaging intended for general distribution rather than special orders or commissioned work.
Size Designation and the Wilson Nomenclature
The Partridge 01 Single Wilson uses the standard British hook-size numbering system, where lower numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.) represent progressively smaller hooks. The size No. 2 specimen documented here is mid-range within the hook-making tradition — larger than the tiny dry-fly sizes (16–24) but smaller than the heavy salmon irons (1/0, 2/0, 3/0). Confusingly, modern North American conventions often use slash notation (1/0, 2/0) for larger hooks and simple numerals (1–32) for smaller hooks in a reversed sequence. The Partridge 01 Wilson packets show pure numerical sizing (No. 2, No. 12) without the slash notation, confirming British/Redditch origin and mid-20th-century production. This numbering system was standard for English salmon and trout irons throughout the Redditch era and remains in use by Partridge today, though modern catalogs often provide both British and metric equivalents.
Packaging Text and Manufacturing Claims
Source: Partridge 01 Single Wilson yellow-card packet label, Redditch-era production
Source: Yellow-card packet label, Redditch-era (c. 1930s–1970s)
‘HAND MADE FROM QUALITY SHEFFIELD STEEL’ — This claim is characteristic of mid-20th-century English hook marketing and reflects both literal truth and marketing positioning. Redditch hooks were indeed hand-forged or hand-finished in stages, even during periods of partial mechanization. ‘Quality Sheffield Steel’ specifically references the renowned steel-making tradition of Sheffield, South Yorkshire — a major supplier of specialty metallurgy for tool and hook manufacturing. This claim carries genuine technical weight; Sheffield steel was (and remains) a premium material associated with durability and fine edge-holding. The invocation of Sheffield steel suggests Partridge sourced raw wire stock from Sheffield mills rather than maintaining independent smelting capacity.
‘MADE BY PARTRIDGE OF REDDITCH, ENGLAND’ — This explicit attribution to Partridge of Redditch, without qualification or subsidiary mention, confirms corporate independence at the time of packaging. Post-1996 packets would include Mustad branding or ownership notation if produced during that era. The absence of such notation is a strong dating signal for pre-1996 production. The ‘ENGLAND’ designation was standard on English-made exports and domestic packaging and is consistent with Commonwealth and international trade conventions of the mid-20th century.
Significance: The dual claim (hand-made quality + Sheffield steel sourcing) positioned Partridge hooks in the premium segment of the tackle market, justifying higher retail prices than commodity hook brands. This marketing language persists in Partridge catalogs from the 1950s–1980s and appears in competitor catalogs from the same period, indicating an industry-wide standard for quality positioning in the specialist hook market.
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).