Partridge of Redditch CS7DB – Dublin Bend
CS7DB — Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron
At-a-Glance Summary
Partridge of Redditch, Model CS7DB, Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron, size 7/0. A modern reproduction of a classic British salmon-iron pattern, designed in collaboration with renowned fly-tyer Terry Griffiths. The hook features a heavy-gauge forged steel shank with a distinctive Dublin bend geometry — a deeper, more angular curve than a standard Sproat — paired with a tapered blind eye that accommodates traditional gut or silk leaders.
The long 2X shank (approximately 2.10″-2.15″) with a wide gap (~0.77″) and superior-style point make this hook ideal for hand-tied classic salmon flies requiring natural materials and traditional construction techniques. Each package includes three irons plus a length of natural silkworm gut.
Era & Production: Contemporary manufacture (2000–present), made in Singapore but distributed by Partridge of Redditch from their Stockwood Business Park headquarters in Worcestershire, England. The modern address, website, and UPC barcode establish clear 21st-century production, yet the design intent and specification honor the heritage of Redditch hook-craft.
Collecting Significance: These hooks represent a significant modern effort to preserve and renew classic fly-tying traditions. The explicit designer attribution and inclusion of natural gut elevate them beyond commodity production. Original packages with complete sets and intact gut are sought by salmon fly enthusiasts and collectors interested in the continuity of British fly-dressing heritage.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | partridge |
| Model / Code | CS7DB |
| Full Name | Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron |
| Size Documented | 7/0 |
| Estimated Era | c. 2000-present |
Technical Specifications
| Eye Type | Blind / Flatted / Spade End |
| Eye Notes | Tapered blind eye — shank tapers to a smooth rounded point with no flattening or spade construction. Gut attached via loop tied around the taper. P |
| Wire Gauge | Heavy (1X Heavy) |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) — forged construction confirmed |
| Shank Length | 2X Long — Plain, Tapered |
| Bend Family | Dublin |
| Bend Notes | The Dublin bend is noticeably deeper and more angular than a standard Sproat, with a pronounced forward-set that creates additional leverage for large-fish applications. The curve is symmetrical and crisp, suggesting high-quality forging with consistent wire flow. P |
| Point Style | Superior (near-straight inner taper) |
| Gap Width | Wide |
| Barb | Short, close-cut barb positioned just back of the apex. Barb angle is acute (30–40° forward) and sits immediately above the point apex. Barb is minimal — consistent with classic Irish/Scottish practice where fly materials provide secondary hold. P |
| Finish | Black Japanned — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Condition | Specimen hooks are bright and free from corrosion or defects. Original packaging is in excellent condition with minimal edge wear, intact gloss finish on cardstock, and clear printing throughout. All three hooks present and undamaged. Silkworm gut is present and intact. |
The Dublin Bend is a forged geometry characterized by a deeper, more angular curve than the standard Sproat, with a pronounced set or offset at the barb. This geometry was favored by 19th- and early 20th-century British salmon-hook makers for its combination of strength and hook-holding reliability in large fish. The heavy wire gauge (~0.055″-0.065″) provides rigidity and reduced bend-through, essential when fishing large flies with substantial hair or fur bodies in powerful rivers.
The superior point features a near-straight, short taper from the barb to the tip, with a nearly flat inner face — a geometry that penetrates cleanly and holds securely once set. This contrasts with the deeply concave (hollow) point and is ideal for flies cast with traditional Spey techniques where the angler relies on line-driven hook-set rather than hand-strip striking.
The tapered blind eye is engineered without the flatted (spade) construction of some historical British hooks. Instead, the shank narrows smoothly to a rounded point, allowing a knot or loop to be tied directly around the taper. This design accommodates natural gut leaders (included with each pack) and traditional silk fly-lines, making it functionally compatible with museum-grade classic tackle while remaining practical for modern anglers.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 7/0. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~2.70"-2.74" (~68.6-69.6 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~2.10"-2.15" (~53.3-54.6 mm) |
| Gap Width | ~0.75"-0.79" (~19.0-20.1 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~1.15"-1.25" (~29.2-31.8 mm) |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.055"-0.065" (~1.40-1.65 mm) |
| Weight | Not available |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~2.75-2.85:1 |
Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement by researcher (2.72" and 0.77" respectively). Shank length and bend depth derived from grid counting on high-resolution specimen photo (Hook image 3 and 4). Grid calibration: fine squares = 0.1" each. Shank span approximately 21 small squares = ~2.10"; bend depth approximately 11.5–12.5 squares = ~1.15"-1.25". Wire diameter estimated by proportion to documented gap and shank measurements; not directly measured but consistent with 'heavy wire' specification for a size 7/0 salmon hook. Confidence in unconfirmed dimensions is moderate E due to angle of hook in grid photos; recommend physical caliper confirmation for any critical application.
First documented example in garrenwood.com catalog of a modern Partridge re-issue hook explicitly collaborating with a named fly-tyer designer. Represents the contemporary bridge between heritage Redditch tradition and 21st-century fly-fishing revival.
Historical Context
partridge
Partridge of Redditch traces its roots to the 19th-century Redditch hook-making tradition, established in the industrial heart of the English Midlands. The company emerged as one of the specialized producers of fine salmon and sea-trout hooks, competing alongside S. Allcock & Co., Edgar Sealey & Sons, and H. Milward & Sons in the Victorian era. Throughout the 20th century, Partridge maintained its reputation for hand-forged irons and specialist fly-tying hooks, supplying to the highest echelons of British and European salmon fishing.
In 1968, Partridge was acquired by O. Mustad & Son (the Norwegian multinational), which integrated Partridge into its global manufacturing and distribution network while preserving the Redditch-based brand identity and craft specifications. This relationship continues: modern Partridge hooks are often manufactured under contract (many currently in Singapore) but marketed and distributed through the historic Partridge brand and UK headquarters.
The company relocated to Stockwood Business Park near Redditch in the 1990s, modernizing its operations while maintaining the Partridge brand legacy. The website and contemporary address reflect this modern-era restructuring, though the heritage and design philosophy remain firmly rooted in 130+ years of Redditch fly-hook tradition.
Series History
The Dublin Bend is not a single-product line but rather a model within Partridge’s broader range of classic-pattern salmon irons. Partridge has offered the Dublin Bend in various configurations (different sizes, eye types, finishes) for decades. This particular model — the CS7DB (Classic Salmon, 7/0, Dublin Bend) — appears to be part of a modern re-entry or refreshed release of classic salmon irons, explicitly marketed around the turn of the 21st century as a response to renewed interest in traditional fly-tying methods.
The inclusion of natural silkworm gut is a modern marketing touch that signals a deliberate positioning: not a commodity hook for beginners, but a specialist tool for dedicated classic fly-tyers. The designer collaboration with Terry Griffiths elevates the product beyond a simple catalog reissue, positioning it as a thoughtful recreation of a functional classic rather than a nostalgic replica.
Named Collaborator
Terry Griffiths is an internationally recognized British fly-tyer and fly-fishing author who has been a central figure in classic salmon fly technique since the 1970s. He is known for meticulous adherence to traditional Spey-cast fly-tying methods and for preserving the heritage of Scottish and Irish salmon fly patterns. His publications and fly designs emphasize hand-crafted methods and natural materials. Griffiths collaborated with Partridge of Redditch to develop the Dublin Bend iron as a modern recreation of a classic pattern suitable for contemporary salmon fishing, bridging the gap between historical authenticity and practical modern use.
Era and Packaging Dating
Modern production indicated by: (1) Barcode present (UPC 8 888185 502012), confirming post-1974 manufacture. (2) Address format and website (www.hooks@partridge-of-redditch.com) reflect contemporary UK business practice and internet-era contact. (3) Stockwood Business Park address is modern Worcestershire industrial park (established 1990s). (4) Offset printing quality and paper stock consistent with 21st-century production. (5) Designer attribution to Terry Griffiths, a renowned modern UK fly-tyer. (6) Singapore manufacturing location reflects post-1990s outsourcing model. No evidence of vintage production — this is a contemporary re-issue of a classic pattern.
The inclusion of natural silkworm gut in each pack is not merely decorative — it represents a deliberate nod to the gut-loop eye construction that defined British salmon hooks for over a century. Before modern nylon and braided leaders, gut was the premium leader material, and salmon flies were tied with the hook eye designed to accept a gut loop as the primary attachment point. By including actual gut (sourced presumably from India or China, where sericulture is still practiced), Partridge invites modern fly-tyers to experience the tactile and technical reality of pre-plastic salmon-fly construction. This small detail — a length of gut in a contemporary hook packet — encapsulates the philosophy of the whole product: technology and tradition in dialogue.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Dublin Bend descends from 19th-century Irish and Scottish salmon-hook traditions, where this particular bend geometry was developed to balance strength with penetration for large Atlantic salmon. The form predates widespread forging by hand and was refined through industrial Victorian tooling. Competitors to the Dublin Bend included the OShaughnessy (deeper curve, more pronounced offset) and the Limerick (more angular, less rounded). The Dublin Bend occupies a middle ground: deeper and stronger than a Sproat, but less extreme than an OShaughnessy.
Modern equivalents from other manufacturers include the Daiichi 2441 (which echoes classic Dublin geometry) and Tiemco hooks designed for classic salmon patterns (though most modern Tiemco offerings use looped or ball eyes rather than tapered blind eyes). The Partridge Dublin Bend, by virtue of its tapered blind eye and heavy wire, remains closer to the original historical specification than most contemporary alternatives.
Related Models — partridge
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| CS7DB (this entry) | Partridge Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron, size 7/0 — this model | This model |
| CS5DB | Partridge Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron, size 5/0 — smaller variant | Variant |
| CS6DB | Partridge Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron, size 6/0 — immediate predecessor in sequence | Variant |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The Dublin Bend Classic Salmon Iron is designed for classic Atlantic salmon and sea trout fly-tying, particularly in the context of traditional Spey-cast methods and North Atlantic salmon rivers. The long 2X shank, heavy wire, and tapered blind eye accommodate silk or gut leaders and natural fly materials — deer hair, fur bodies, and feathered hackles — typical of classic salmon fly patterns such as the Jock Scott, Silver Doctor, and Butchers. The superior point and wide gap provide reliable hold and penetration in the mouths of large migratory fish.
Secondary Applications
Can be adapted for large sea trout on coastal rivers; occasionally used for pike and pike-fly tying by specialists seeking authentic vintage-styled irons.
Classic Fly Patterns
Jock Scott, Silver Doctor, Butcher, Black Dog, Dusty Miller, Mar Lodge, Fiery Brown, Thunder and Lightning
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiemco 7999 | Moderate | Salmon hook with long shank and forged bend, but uses looped eye rather than tapered blind eye; modern alternative for fly-tyers who prefer contemporary eye construction. |
| Daiichi 2441 | Very Good | Heavy-wire Dublin-style bend geometry, though typically available with ball eye. Closest modern Japanese equivalent to the Dublin form. |
| Mustad C49S | Good | Mustad's own vintage-inspired salmon iron with tapered construction, though slightly finer wire and less angular bend than the Partridge CS7DB. |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Market Value (USD) | $12 – $28 |
| Packaging Condition | Excellent — minimal wear |
| Packaging Format | GW-P-CR-02 |
Packaging
A+landscape-oriented sales card measuring approximately 4.5" × 7.5" (114 × 190 mm). Card stock is cream-colored with cream-white vignette background. Front face: Bold sans-serif 'PARTRIDGE' masthead at top, below which 'QUAL. CS7DB – DUBLIN BEND' in serif typeface. Centered image of a salmon hook in profile (line drawing). Size circled: '7/0'. Text block: '3 FINEST HAND MADE IRONS FOR CLASSIC SALMON FLIES INCLUDING NATURAL GUT DESIGNED BY TERRY GRIFFITHS.' Back face: Serif text describing the design collaboration with Griffiths, availability in sizes 5/0, 6/0, 7/0, inclusion of natural silkworm gut. Manufacturer footer: 'PARTRIDGE OF REDDITCH, UNIT 17, STOCKWOOD BUSINESS PARK, STOCKWOOD, WORCESTERSHIRE B96 6SX, UNITED KINGDOM' with website 'www.hooks@partridge-of-redditch.com'. UPC barcode: 8 888185 502012. Printed text and images are offset-printed in black and brown on cream cardstock. Transparent cellophane window (approx. 2.5" × 3.5") at lower right displays the three hooks and gut coil. Overall condition: excellent with minimal wear.
Market Value Notes
Low ($12): Good condition — opened card, all hooks present, minor wear to packaging edges or slight toning.<br />
High ($28): Excellent/Mint — sealed or near-sealed card, sharp printing, zero defects, all hooks perfect, silkworm gut intact.<br />
Premium factors: Designer attribution (Terry Griffiths), modern re-issue of classic pattern, inclusion of natural gut, strong UK collector interest, pristine packaging condition.<br />
Platforms: eBay UK, specialist tackle dealers (UK and EU), classic fly-fishing forums and swap groups.<br />
Confidence: E estimated — limited public sales data; values based on comparable Partridge modern re-issues and specialist salmon-hook market trends. No eBay sold data located for this specific model.
Where to Find
eBay UK (search: Partridge Dublin Bend or CS7DB); specialist UK tackle dealers (Orvis UK, Fulling Mill, various regional fly-fishing retailers); UK classic fly-fishing societies and swap groups; occasionally at fly-fishing shows and competitions in England and Scotland.
Collector's Identification Tips
Identify by: (1) Partridge brand name printed at top of card. (2) Model code ‘CS7DB’ or ‘QUAL. CS7DB’ on front. (3) ‘Dublin Bend’ prominently stated. (4) Size circled (7/0, 6/0, 5/0). (5) Credit line: ‘DESIGNED BY TERRY GRIFFITHS’. (6) Inclusion of natural silkworm gut (visible in clear cellophane window at bottom of card). (7) Address: Stockwood Business Park, Worcestershire (modern era). (8) Barcode present. (9) Website: www.hooks@partridge-of-redditch.com. Fakes or very old cards will lack these exact markings and the Terry Griffiths attribution.
Packaging Text and Design Philosophy
Source: Partridge of Redditch packaging, back of card, c. 2000–present
The back-of-card narrative is remarkably specific and intentional: ‘Terry Griffiths has been on the fly-tying scene in the United Kingdom for many years. His knowledge and valuable contribution has enabled us to construct this new Dublin Bend iron which will satisfy the most discerning classic salmon fly-tyer.’
This statement does three things: (1) It establishes Griffiths’ credibility and authority within the UK fly-tying community, signaling that this is not a casual design but the product of decades of experience. (2) It frames the Dublin Bend as a collaborative creation, not a generic re-issue — Partridge is positioning the hook as the result of modern expertise applied to classic tradition. (3) It targets a specific buyer: the discerning tyer, implicitly someone with experience, taste, and appreciation for heritage methods.
The claim ‘At long last, a classic salmon iron that will do justice to the hours spent at the vice’ is marketing language that acknowledges a market gap: fly-tyers felt that modern hooks had abandoned the specifications needed for authentic classic salmon-fly construction. The inclusion of natural silkworm gut further signals this positioning — it says, ‘We understand that you want the whole package, not just the hook.’
The design itself — tapered blind eye, heavy wire, Dublin bend, superior point — is completely consistent with late-19th-century British salmon hooks. There is no modernization here, no attempt to improve on the original. This is deliberate conservation, not innovation.
The Tapered Blind Eye: A Technical Distinction
The tapered blind eye is distinctly different from the blind flatted (spade) eye found on some classic British salmon hooks. The tapered design features a shank that gradually narrows to a smooth, rounded point, with no flattening or spade-like termination. Gut or leader is attached by tying a loop directly around the taper.
This construction offers several advantages: (1) Smooth transition — no sharp edges or flat surfaces that might weaken the leader knot. (2) Historical accuracy — many 19th-century Irish salmon hooks used this tapered form before the spade-flatted design became dominant. (3) Leader flexibility — the rounded point allows the leader to wrap evenly, distributing stress. (4) Visual clarity — the taper is visually unambiguous and easy to tie.
The spade-flatted eye, by contrast, features a shank that is deliberately flattened on two sides near the end, creating a small flat platform to which the leader loop is attached. This was favored for larger, heavier salmon flies where maximum mechanical security was desired.
Partridge’s choice of the tapered form for the CS7DB reflects a design philosophy that emphasizes elegance and tradition over mechanical maximization — appropriate for a hook marketed to experienced classic fly-tyers who understand the nuance.
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).