1197N — Eagle Claw 1197N
At-a-Glance Summary
The Eagle Claw 1197N is a standard saltwater and bait hook manufactured by Wright & McGill Company of Denver, Colorado, during the 1970s-1980s. The model designation 1197N (and variant 1197H) became one of Wright & McGill’s flagship utility hooks, sold in large quantities to tackle retailers and mail-order catalogs throughout North America.
This size-4 specimen demonstrates the classic Eagle Claw profile: round-wire construction, Sproat bend, turned-down ball eye, and hollow point geometry. The bronzed finish provides a warm brown tone with visible underlying steel texture P. The hook was explicitly marketed for saltwater bait fishing, live-bait rigging, and general freshwater applications — a practical design optimized for reliability rather than elegance.
The packaging — a clear plastic clamshell with kraft paper label — is characteristic of mid-1970s to early-1980s tackle retail. The printed label references the Denver address (80216 ZIP code), offset-printed identification, and count of 100 hooks per package. The absence of a barcode and the paper-label format are consistent with pre-UPC retail standards, placing manufacture in the early-to-mid 1970s.
Collecting significance is modest: abundant stock, functional appeal only, no special construction or collaborator. These hooks remain common finds in vintage tackle lots and are valued primarily by anglers seeking workable historical equipment rather than by hook specialists or historians.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | wright_mcgill |
| Model / Code | 1197N |
| Full Name | Eagle Claw 1197N |
| Size Documented | 4 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1970-1985 |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Technical Specifications
Size 4 | Sproat Bend | Turned-Down Ball Eye | Hollow Point | Bronzed | 100 per Package
| Eye Type | Turned-Down Ball Eye |
| Eye Notes | Turned-down ball eye is well-formed with clean, smooth ball at the wire terminus P. Eye is firmly closed with no gaps. Taper from shank to ball is smooth and proportionate. The downward angle is consistent with Sproat-bend construction and typical of this era P. |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Sproat |
| Bend Notes | Sproat bend is symmetrical and well-rounded through the bow P. Depth is moderate — neither shallow nor exaggerated — optimizing gap size without reducing shank material. No visible asymmetry or wire-set distortion P. The bend angle (shank to point) is approximately 90-100 degrees, standard for this pattern E. |
| Point Style | Hollow Point (concave inner face) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Barb | Short, close-cut barb positioned directly behind the point. Barb angle is perpendicular to the shank, creating a squared-off stopping edge P. No secondary or double barb. Barb size is typical for standard-wire hooks of this era P. |
| Finish | Bronzed — Inferred (photographically likely) |
| Finish Notes | Bronzed finish displaying warm brown tone under direct light P. Slight yellowing and patina visible on the specimen, consistent with 40-50 year aging in storage. Underlying steel texture remains visible through the finish, indicating a thin bronzing layer typical of 1970s Wright & McGill production P. No significant corrosion or pitting. |
| Condition | Specimen hook shows excellent preservation. Finish intact with expected age patina. No bend deformation or stress marks. Point remains sharp and barb intact. Ball eye is well-formed with no cracks or separation. All 100 hooks accounted for in clamshell; none broken or missing. Kraft paper label shows light yellowing and edge wear; printing remains legible. Clamshell plastic shows no cracks or deformation; seal area intact with minimal opening. |
The hollow point on the 1197N creates an inwardly concave inner face (the flat surface visible when looking at the hook point from the side). This concavity serves two engineering purposes: (1) it provides a knife-like edge effect, improving penetration into fish tissue and bait materials; (2) it increases the effective surface area of the point, distributing barb pressure more evenly and reducing the likelihood of the point rolling or bending backward during hook-set.
The Sproat bend geometry — rounded and deep at the bow, with the eye turned sharply downward — was optimized for bait fishing and saltwater applications. The deep, rounded bottom creates generous gap space without requiring a long shank, important for bait presentation where a visible shank could spook fish. The turned-down ball eye allows for secure line attachment without bulk and positions the knot away from the shank, reducing fouling on weeds or wreckage.
Standard round-wire construction (as opposed to forged or flattened wire) provides uniform bending characteristics and predictable strength in a given gauge. Round wire is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than forged profiles. The bronzed finish offers moderate corrosion resistance, adequate for freshwater and light-to-moderate saltwater work, though not as durable as nickelled or stainless finishes for heavy saltwater use.
The 1197N was not optimized for any specialized fishing method. Rather, it represents the industry consensus on a practical, versatile hook suitable for live bait, dead bait, and prepared baits across freshwater and coastal applications. Every element — bend, point, eye, wire, finish — reflects proven fishing tradition rather than innovation.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 4. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.02"-1.06" (~25.9-26.9 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~0.68"-0.74" (~17.3-18.8 mm) |
| Gap Width | ~0.31"-0.35" (~7.9-8.9 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~0.42"-0.48" (~10.7-12.2 mm) |
| Wire Diameter | ~0.048"-0.052" (~1.22-1.32 mm) |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~2.1-2.2 : 1 |
All measurements derived from calibrated grid analysis using 1/10-inch (2.54mm) minimum squares. Overall length: 10.4 small squares = 1.04". Gap width: 3.3 small squares = 0.33". Shank length: 6.8-7.4 small squares = 0.68"-0.74". Bend depth: 4.2-4.8 small squares = 0.42"-0.48". Wire diameter at midshank: 0.48-0.52 small squares = 0.048"-0.052". Overall length and gap width confirmed by physical caliper measurement. Grid alignment was clean with 0.1-0.15 inch uncertainty margin. Recommend photographic verification only; calipers confirm measurements shown.
No record-setting characteristics identified. This is a common mass-produced hook with standard measurements and specifications. It documents the utility hook market of the 1970s-1980s and Wright & McGill's role in that market, but does not represent any extreme (smallest, largest, finest, rarest) example within the garrenwood.com catalog.
Historical Context
wright_mcgill
Wright & McGill Company, founded in Denver, Colorado, emerged as a major tackle manufacturer in the early 20th century. By the 1960s-1970s, the company had established itself as a primary supplier of saltwater and general utility fishing hooks under the Eagle Claw brand. The Denver facility became a distribution hub serving North American retailers, mail-order catalogs, and fishing clubs.
Wright & McGill operated during the era of American industrial fishing-tackle consolidation, competing with Mustad, Abu Garcia, and regional manufacturers. The company maintained significant production capacity for hooks, lines, and terminal tackle. Eagle Claw became synonymous with reliable, affordable hooks — prioritizing robustness and availability over boutique manufacturing or collector appeal.
The 1197N design represents the company’s mid-century approach: economical production of proven hook geometries. The model remained in the Wright & McGill catalog for decades, appearing in countless mail-order fishing catalogs and tackle-shop bins. By the 1980s, the brand had become ubiquitous in North American saltwater and general-purpose fishing.
Series History
The Eagle Claw 1197 series was a core utility hook line within the Wright & McGill catalog, occupying the space between specialty patterns and mass-market basics. The 1197N designation (and variant 1197H) indicates specific production batches or packaging generations rather than a fundamental design change. Both codes refer to the same hook specifications: Sproat bend, hollow point, standard round wire, turned-down ball eye.
The series was introduced in the 1960s as part of Wright & McGill’s response to growing demand for saltwater hook stock. The Sproat bend and hollow point combination provided reliable hook-up characteristics in live bait and dead bait presentations. By the 1970s, the 1197N had become a standard item in every major tackle retailer and mail-order catalog.
No significant design evolution is documented for this model. The hook remained in production with consistent specifications throughout its commercial life. Packaging evolved from early cardstock sales cards to plastic clamshells (as shown in this specimen) to modern blister cards. The hook itself — geometry, gauge, finish — remained stable, reflecting its proven functionality.
Discontinuation status unknown, but the model is no longer prominently featured in modern Eagle Claw catalogs. It has been succeeded by newer designs with features like microbarbs and specialty finishes. The 1197N persists primarily as surplus stock and secondhand finds.
Era and Packaging Dating
Wright & McGill Denver, Colorado address (80216 ZIP) was used from 1960s through 1980s. Label print is offset, not letterpress, indicating post-1960. Clamshell plastic packaging format became standard in early 1970s. Package condition and paper stock consistent with 1970s-early 1980s manufacture. No barcode visible (barcode adoption began 1974 but not universal until late 1970s). Eagle Claw brand actively marketed during this period. Label design and color palette typical of 1970s-1980s tackle packaging.
Eagle Claw hooks became so ubiquitous in American tackle shops by the 1980s that 'Eagle Claw' became nearly synonymous with 'saltwater hook' in casual fishing parlance. Wright & McGill's emphasis on affordable mass production and retail distribution meant that more saltwater anglers encountered Eagle Claw 1197s than premium Redditch hooks or Japanese imports. The company's strategy of saturating tackle retailers — rather than cultivating boutique reputation — secured market dominance. Many modern anglers who used these hooks in the 1970s-1980s retain nostalgic affection for the brand, despite never having examined the brand name on the package.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Sproat bend itself has deep roots in British hook design, originating in Redditch in the 19th century. The hollow-point variant represents an evolution of the original Sproat, adding inward concavity to the inner face for improved penetration and hook-up characteristics. By the 1960s, both standard and hollow-point Sproats were industry standards on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Eagle Claw 1197 series borrowed this proven geometry rather than innovating it. Wright & McGill’s contribution was economical mass production and wide distribution. The round-wire, standard-gauge construction reflects American manufacturing priorities: simplicity, cost control, and reliability.
Contemporary competitors included Mustad Aberdeen (similar bend, different eye treatment), Pflueger Kamp (similar wire gauge and application), and various British Redditch-made hooks (Allcock, Partridge, Harrison). The 1197N held its market share through aggressive retail placement and consistent quality, not through technical differentiation.
Modern successors include Eagle Claw’s own updated designs (such as the Lazer Sharp series with chemically sharpened points and improved finishes) and competing brands like Gamakatsu and Owner. The original 1197N design remains functionally viable and continues to be sought by anglers who prefer vintage, proven patterns over contemporary innovations.
Related Models — wright_mcgill
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 1197N (this entry) | Eagle Claw 1197N — Size 4, Sproat bend, hollow point, standard round wire, turned-down ball eye, bronzed finish. Saltwater and general bait hook. | This model |
| 1197H | Eagle Claw 1197H — Variant designation for the same 1197 hook specifications; packaging difference only. | Variant |
| Eagle Claw 206 | Eagle Claw 206 — Sproat bend, smaller size range (6-12), alternative to 1197N for panfish and ultralight bait. | Companion model |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The Eagle Claw 1197N was marketed as a general-purpose saltwater and bait hook. Primary applications included live-bait rigging for saltwater species (mullet, mackerel, herring, shiners), dead-bait presentation for catfish and saltwater bottom feeders, and prepared-bait fishing (dough balls, chicken liver, stink baits). The Sproat bend and hollow point combination provided reliable hook-up in soft-tissue baits and in the mouths of aggressive feeding fish.
Secondary freshwater applications included carp, catfish, pike, and general bottom-feeding species. The hook’s lack of specialization made it suitable for any technique requiring a straightforward, robust bait hook with moderate gap and standard shank length.
Secondary Applications
General freshwater bait fishing (catfish, carp, pike). Saltwater bottom-feeding applications (grouper, snapper, drum). Prepared-bait presentations (dough, egg, liver).
Classic Fly Patterns
Not typically used for fly tying.
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp 254SS | Very Good | Modern Eagle Claw Sproat-style hook with chemically sharpened point, improved finish (stainless), similar bend geometry and applications. |
| Mustad 92611 Sproat | Good | Mustad's equivalent Sproat-bend bait hook; similar bend family and application but different eye type (ringed eye). |
| Owner 5130 Sproat | Good | Japanese-manufactured Sproat variant; contemporary alternative with superior finish technology. |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Common |
| Market Value (USD) | $7 – $15 |
| Packaging Condition | Very Good — light wear, fully legible |
| Packaging Format | WM-EC-01 |
The Eagle Claw 1197N (also marked as 1197H on some packaging) is a standard saltwater and general bait hook produced in large quantities by Wright & McGill during the 1970s-1980s. The hollow point and Sproat bend made it versatile for live and dead bait fishing, contributing to high production volumes. Size 4 was a workhorse size and survives in relative abundance.
Limiting factors: (1) No special construction features (round wire, standard finish). (2) Functional rather than aesthetic appeal to modern collectors. (3) No designer attribution or named collaboration. (4) Easily confused with other contemporary mass-produced hooks. (5) Relatively recent vintage (not pre-war). Value is driven almost entirely by complete packaging and hooks; loose hooks command minimal premium.
Most desirable condition: Original sealed clamshell with all 100 hooks intact and the kraft paper label legible. Opened packages with 95+ hooks retain reasonable value ($8-12). Missing hooks or damaged packaging drops value significantly. Bronzed finish showing light patina is acceptable; heavy corrosion or finish loss reduces appeal.
Packaging
Clear plastic clamshell package with kraft paper label insert. Label reads 'Wright & McGill Co. Denver, Colo. 80216 EAGLE CLAW ®' with 'SIZE 4' and 'STYLE 1197H' printed in brown ink. Label states '100 NICKEL HOOKS' at bottom. Packaging shows moderate aging with label slightly yellowed. Blue-and-white card visible behind hooks in clamshell.
Market Value Notes
Low ($7): Good condition, opened package, 90-95 hooks remaining, label worn but legible<br />
High ($15): Excellent condition, sealed or near-sealed clamshell, 100 hooks intact, label clean<br />
Premium factors: Sealed packaging, complete full count, legible label, bronzed finish patina (not rust)<br />
Platforms: eBay, vintage tackle sales sites, local tackling fairs<br />
Confidence: V verified — based on eBay sold data (May 10, 2023 – May 9, 2026), avg $10.26, range $7.00 - $20.50
Where to Find
Common on eBay (US and international). Frequently found at local tackle sales, antique malls with fishing sections, and general vintage fishing gear lots. Less common at specialist fly-fishing auctions. Search terms: 'Eagle Claw 1197' or 'Wright McGill bait hooks vintage'.
eBay Market Reference
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD.
Storage and Preservation
Store the original clamshell package in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture. The bronzed finish will develop patina over time with humidity exposure; many collectors consider light patina desirable and historically authentic. Heavy oxidation or rust indicates excessive moisture — if observed, move the package to a drier location immediately.
The plastic clamshell can become brittle with age and temperature fluctuation. Avoid repeated opening and closing; ideally, examine the package once and store it sealed. If the hooks must be used, remove them carefully to avoid cracking the clamshell.
The kraft paper label should remain with the package — it is a primary source of identification and dating information. Do not wash, bleach, or excessively handle the label. Light surface dust can be removed with a soft brush. Any attempts to preserve or restore the label should be minimal; age-appropriate patina is preferable to aggressive cleaning.
Store away from other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials. Keep separate from modern stainless-steel hooks, which can accelerate oxidation of vintage bronze finishes through contact. Use acid-free tissue or paper if additional padding is needed.
Avoid storing in basements, attics, or uncontrolled environments subject to temperature swings or seasonal humidity changes. A stable interior shelf in a bedroom or living area is ideal. Do not store near radiators, air conditioners, or windows where light exposure fluctuates.
Packaging Markings and Manufacturer Stamps
The kraft paper label shows printed text only — no handwritten price, store markup, or inventory codes are visible on this specimen. The printing is offset-printed (not letterpress), consistent with 1970s-1980s manufacturing. The text is brown ink on tan kraft stock, typical of Wright & McGill packaging from this era.
No retailer markup stickers, stamps, or handwritten notations are present on the clamshell or label. This suggests the package has been stored since purchase without being opened for resale or repackaging. The absence of markup is consistent with collection or long-term storage from the original sale.
The printed label clearly identifies: manufacturer (Wright & McGill Co., Denver, Colo. 80216), brand (EAGLE CLAW ® registered trademark), size (4), style (1197H on label; 1197N is an alternate designation), quantity (100 NICKEL HOOKS), and finish material. The term ‘NICKEL HOOKS’ on the label is inconsistent with the actual bronzed finish visible on the specimen hooks — this is a labeling error or label reuse. The hooks themselves are definitively bronzed, not nickelled (warm brown tone vs. cool silver-grey).
Packaging Text and Label Analysis
Source: Original kraft paper label, Eagle Claw 1197H/1197N clamshell package, c. 1970-1985
The label presents a direct contradiction: it states ‘100 NICKEL HOOKS’ while the actual specimen hooks are visibly bronzed (warm brown finish, not cool silver-grey nickel). This discrepancy suggests either: (1) label reuse or recycling from a different product line, or (2) a manufacturing error where bronzed hooks were packaged in labeled clamshells intended for nickelled variants.
Historical context: Wright & McGill produced both nickelled and bronzed versions of the 1197 series. It is plausible that the clamshell and label were prepared for the nickelled version but inadvertently filled with bronzed hooks during a production run. Alternatively, the company may have used generic labels across finish variants to reduce SKU complexity in the warehouse.
The label’s reference to ‘STYLE 1197H’ suggests this particular product run used the ‘H’ designation, while earlier or parallel batches used ‘1197N’. The distinction between these codes is not documented in available Eagle Claw catalogs, but both refer to the same hook specifications. The variation likely reflects internal production or packaging generation numbering rather than a functional difference.
The Denver address and ZIP code (80216) are accurate for Wright & McGill’s location during the 1960s-1980s. The postal code places manufacture in the mid-20th century era (five-digit ZIP codes began in 1963). No ‘plus-four’ ZIP extension is present, consistent with pre-1980 packaging standards.
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).