Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
The Partridge of Redditch Kirby Minnow Turned Ends is a traditional British heavy-wire blind-eye hook designed for wet fly and minnow fishing, particularly for sea trout and salmon. Size 3/0 features a distinctive tapered blind eye—the shank tapers smoothly to a rounded point with no flatting or spade construction, allowing gut to be loop-attached around the taper. The hook exhibits a forged Kirby (offset) bend with a hollow point and bronzed finish.
Manufactured in Redditch, England during the inter-war to early post-war period (c. 1920s-1950s), this hook represents the craft tradition of blind-eye construction that dominated British salmon and sea trout tackle before the mid-twentieth century. The plain cream card packaging with blue offset printing is consistent with 1920s-1950s British hook cardstock.
This is a scarce example of traditional Redditch craftsmanship. The tapered blind-eye construction is a hallmark of quality hand-tied tackle, and size 3/0 with original packaging has modest collector interest among fly-fishing historians and Redditch specialists. The heavy wire and forged bend mark it as a production hook for substantial fish in moving water.
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The tapered blind eye is a distinguished production method: the shank is drawn to a point and rounded at the tip, then gut or line is looped and bound around the taper. This construction eliminates the flat-edge catch point of a spade or flatted blind eye, reducing fouling when dressing with delicate body materials. The forged Kirby bend combines an offset set with a deep arc, placing the hook point inboard of the shank. On heavy wire, this geometry provides excellent leverage and hook set when stripping wet patterns in current. The hollow point—concave inner face—assists in penetrating the hard mouths of sea-running salmonids. The 2x shank allows substantial dressing length for realistic baitfish profiles without excessive weight.
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Packaging is plain white/cream card stock with blue offset-printed text — consistent with inter-war through early post-war British hook production (1920s-1950s). No barcode present (pre-1974 indicator). Offset printing technology and paper quality suggest 1920s or later rather than hand-letterpress. Partridge of Redditch was actively producing blind-eye hooks in this era for traditional UK salmon and sea trout fishing. The tapered blind-eye construction (gut loop) is characteristic of pre-1960s British tackle. No phone number or postal code visible to narrow further. Conservative dating: c. 1920s-1950s.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not documented No. 2/0 — Kirby Tapered | 70% | Compare | ||
|
3311 No. 17 — Quality 3311 Cincinnati Bass | 68% | Compare | |
|
3866 No. 6/0 — 3866 | 68% | Compare | |
|
5644F No. 21 — Hollow Pointed Salmon Fish Hooks Flatted | 66% | Compare | |
|
3336 No. 5/0 — Mustad Sneck Hooks | 66% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
37353 No. 1 — Mustad 37353 Aberdeen | 99% | Compare |
|
3278 No. 5/0 — Mustad 3278 Aberdeen | 98% | Compare |
|
34031 No. 5/0 — O'Shaughnessy | 98% | Compare |
|
CS10/3 No. 3/0 — CS10/3 Bartleet Traditional Blind Eye | 98% | Compare |
|
501 M No. 100 — T. H. Bate's 501 M | 98% | Compare |
The Kirby Minnow was designed as a wet fly and streamer hook for minnow imitations in sea trout and salmon fishing, particularly in UK rivers. The extended 2x shank accommodates realistic minnow dressing, while the offset Kirby bend and heavy wire provide holding power in fast water and when fighting larger fish. The hollow point aids hook penetration on hard-mouthed sea trout and Atlantic salmon. The blind-eye construction was standard for traditional British tackle tied with silk and gut, where the taper provided a smooth lashing point without the catch point that a ball eye or flatted-eye loop would create.
Traditional minnow imitations tied on Kirby blind-eye patterns; no specific named patterns documented in major fly-dressing references, though the hook class was popular for variants of the Inverness series and custom sea trout minnow dressings.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Partridge Outlaw 2X (Modern) | Moderate | Contemporary Partridge wet-fly hook with 2x shank and heavy wire; lacks blind eye but maintains brand heritage and Kirby-inspired bend geometry |
| Tiemco 3761 | Good | Modern wet-fly hook, 2x shank, heavy wire, suitable for large minnow patterns; standard tapered-down eye rather than blind |
| Daiichi 2220 | Good | Heavy-wire streamer/wet-fly hook, 2x shank, acceptable substitute for sea trout patterns; lacks historical blind-eye construction |
Rated 5.0/10 (Uncommon). Traditional Redditch craft-era blind-eye hook with modest collector demand among fly-tying historians and UK tackle specialists. The tapered blind-eye construction is scarcer than flatted-eye variants, and complete original packaging adds meaningful premium. However, Partridge production volumes and the lack of a named designer or exceptional specialization limit the rating. Condition of the specimen and packaging are critical value drivers.
Positive Factors: Traditional tapered blind-eye construction is a hallmark of early twentieth-century British tackle craftsmanship. Complete original packaging in legible condition is increasingly hard to find. The heavy forged Kirby bend and 2x shank are genuine working tools for sea trout and salmon, appealing to functional collectors and modern fly tyers. Partridge of Redditch has strong collector following among UK specialists. Size 3/0 is useful for contemporary sea trout fishing, adding secondary demand from working anglers.
Limiting Factors: Partridge hooks, while collectible, do not command the premiums of rarer Redditch makers (Edgar Sealey, Allcock specialty models). No named designer or collaboration credit. The ‘Minnow Turned Ends’ model is a functional working hook rather than a specialty pattern or limited issue. Card is plain without decorative graphics or brand imagery. Blind-eye construction has limited appeal to modern fly tyers accustomed to conventional ball or tapered-down eyes.
Most Desirable Variants: Complete unopened cards with all six hooks; smaller sizes (No. 1, No. 2) which are less common in survival; cards with any manufacturer’s mark or handwritten lot numbers; sealed or tissue-wrapped examples.
Condition Factors: Complete hook count is essential — missing even one hook reduces value 15-25%. Packaging legibility is critical; faded or water-stained text significantly reduces appeal. Bright bronze on hooks (no rust or patina) is preferred by modern users; patinated hooks are acceptable to collectors but reduce functional value. Card creasing, tape residue, or severe edge wear deduct 10-20% from value.
Plain white or cream cardstock, approximately 4.5" × 2.75" (estimated), printed in blue offset ink. Text reads 'KIRBY MINNOW / TURNED ENDS' with size marking '3/0' in upper left corner. No barcode, trademark symbol, or corporate branding visible beyond the text. Card shows light age toning and minor creasing consistent with 1920s-1950s manufacture. Hooks appear to be glued or pinned to the card in a single row (six hooks documented). No tissue wrap or envelope layer visible in the photograph.
Low ($12): Good condition — opened card, all six hooks present, minor card wear, bronze in good condition<br />
High ($28): Excellent condition — sealed or near-sealed card, all hooks bright and perfect, minimal card aging, legible printing<br />
Premium factors: Original tissue or envelope wrapping; smaller sizes (No. 1-2); sealed or factory condition; any printed lot marks or manufacturing date codes<br />
Platforms: eBay UK and US (occasional sales 2023-2026); British tackle specialist dealers; online auction sites (rare)<br />
Confidence: E estimated — limited comparable sales data; estimate based on observed pricing for comparable Redditch blind-eye cards and Partridge production-era material (2024-2026 eBay data shows Partridge cards in this era typically $8-35 depending on condition and model rarity).
Primarily eBay UK and international eBay, where Redditch hooks appear sporadically. British tackle dealers and specialist online retailers in the UK and Ireland. Occasional appearances at British fishing tackle auctions and country-house estate sales. Less common on eBay US compared to UK platform. Patience and regular searching recommended — likely to appear 1-3 times per year in moderate condition.
Store the card in a cool, dry environment, ideally in a protective sleeve or archival folder to minimize dust and light exposure. Bronze finish is stable but will develop natural patina over time — this is collectible and not harmful. Avoid high humidity (above 60% RH), which can accelerate oxidation. Do not attempt to polish or clean the hooks unless they show active corrosion; the patina adds historical character and collector value.
Keep the original card intact rather than removing hooks. The card is part of the specimen and its condition directly impacts value. If the card shows brittleness or edge deterioration, consider placing it in a humidity-controlled archival box with acid-free tissue. Store away from other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion. Avoid direct sunlight, which may fade the blue ink printing over time. Handle by edges only to prevent fingerprint marks.
If hooks require use, remove only what is needed and keep the remainder in the original packaging for preservation. Periodic visual inspection (annually) is recommended to detect any moisture intrusion or unexpected corrosion.
The specimen shows no visible handwritten marks, lot codes, or manufacturer’s stamps on the front face of the card. The blue offset-printed text ‘KIRBY MINNOW / TURNED ENDS’ and size mark ‘3/0’ are factory-applied. If the reverse or edges of the card bear any handwritten notes (e.g., inventory codes, fly-tier initials, price marks), these would indicate dealer or personal collection history and could help refine the dating. Such marks, if legible, can sometimes reveal the chain of custody and whether the card passed through specific UK tackle shops or dealers.
No manufacturer’s date code or lot number is visible in the provided image. Partridge of Redditch did not always mark production dates on blind-eye cards of this era, making handwritten dealer codes and packaging condition the primary secondary-evidence sources for refining the date range.
The packaging text reads exactly: ‘KIRBY MINNOW / TURNED ENDS’ with size ‘3/0’ in blue offset ink. The model name ‘Kirby Minnow’ identifies the hook type and intended use—a minnow-pattern wet fly on a Kirby (offset) bend. ‘Turned Ends’ is a period term for hooks with a tapered eye end, referring to the smooth taper to a rounded point (as opposed to flatted or spade-end construction). This terminology was common in British tackle catalogs from the 1920s-1950s. The absence of any brand name beyond model designation is typical of high-end Redditch makers, who relied on reputation rather than aggressive branding. The simplicity of the packaging and text suggests a working-grade hook rather than a premium or specialty product, consistent with mid-range production hook pricing of the era.
The tapered blind eye is a sophisticated and labor-intensive construction method that distinguishes quality hand-tied tackle from mass-produced alternatives. Rather than flattening the shank tip into a spade or forming a welded ring eye, the shankis drawn and rounded to a smooth point. Gut or silk is looped around this taper and bound tight with thread, creating a smooth eye without sharp edges or catch points.
This construction method reflected the material realities of early twentieth-century fly tying: gut leaders were the standard, and a smooth lashing point reduced the risk of fraying or cutting the delicate gut. The technique also allowed fly dressers to achieve a more tapered head profile, improving the silhouette of minnow and streamer imitations. By the 1960s, nylon monofilament and conventional ball-eye hooks became dominant, making tapered blind-eye construction increasingly rare. Today, it remains a signature of vintage Redditch craftsmanship and an attractive feature for collectors studying the evolution of fly-hook 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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