Wright & McGill Co – Pattern 80
80 — Eagle Claw
At-a-Glance Summary
The Wright & McGill Co. Pattern 80, famously known as the Eagle Claw, is a cornerstone of vintage American fishing tackle. Produced roughly between 1930 and 1950 in Denver, Colorado, this model helped cement “Eagle Claw” as a household name among anglers across the American West. Designed as a straightforward, utilitarian piece of tackle, the Pattern 80 was heavily relied upon by mountain lodge outfitters and everyday fishermen alike, becoming an iconic symbol of quality domestic hook manufacturing during the mid-20th century.
From a technical standpoint, the Pattern 80 features a classic Sproat bend, a standard wire gauge, and a turned-down tapered eye that allows for clean fly-tying attachment without added bulk. Hook enthusiasts will appreciate its “superior point”—a near-straight inner taper from barb to tip that ensures clean penetration and excellent holding power. Finished in a warm bronze for freshwater corrosion resistance, it is a highly versatile hook. Historically, it served as an outstanding all-purpose option for tying dry flies, wet flies, and small nymphs, as well as for rigging small live bait for trout and panfish.
For modern tackle historians and collectors, the real draw of the Pattern 80 often lies in its vintage packaging. Because it was mass-produced in high volumes to meet demand—especially in standard sizes like Size 2—the hooks themselves are relatively common today. However, discovering them in their original orange and cream cardboard boxes, complete with the blue eagle logo and the early “© 1930 W&M CO.” copyright mark, is a prized find. These well-preserved, 100-count boxes carry modest but significant collectible value, offering enthusiasts a tangible and charming piece of early 20th-century angling heritage.
Photography
Identification
| Manufacturer | wright_mcgill |
| Model / Code | 80 |
| Full Name | Eagle Claw |
| Size Documented | No. 2 |
| Estimated Era | c. 1930-1950 |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Technical Specifications
Wright & McGill Eagle Claw No. 80 Sproat — Bronzed Finish — Size 2 — Turned-Down Tapered Eye
| Eye Type | Turned-Down Tapered Eye |
| Eye Notes | Turned-down tapered eye confirmed by researcher examination. Clean taper from ball to wire, no flatting or spade construction present P. |
| Wire Gauge | Standard |
| Wire Profile | Round (unforged) |
| Est. Wire Diameter | ~0.047"-0.055" (~1.2-1.4 mm) |
| Shank Length | Standard |
| Bend Family | Sproat |
| Bend Notes | Rounded bottom Sproat bend with moderate depth. Symmetrical wire set with clean curve from shank into bend P. |
| Point Style | Superior (near-straight inner taper) |
| Gap Width | Standard |
| Finish | Bronzed — Confirmed (stated on packaging) |
| Finish Notes | Warm brown bronzed finish visible on all hook surfaces. Steel grain texture visible beneath coating. Consistent warm tone under direct light P. |
| Condition | The hooks in this specimen are bright with no visible corrosion, indicating good preservation in dry storage. The box label shows light toning and minor edge wear consistent with age but maintains full legibility of all printed text. No tears, tape repairs, or substantial creasing visible. Hand-written notation suggests period use or inventory marking but does not detract from overall presentation. This is a fine example of original condition for a 90+ year old box. |
The superior point on this hook features a near-straight inner taper from barb to tip, creating a fine penetration point suitable for small flies and live bait. The wire is not forged, maintaining full round cross-section throughout the bend and shank. The Sproat bend’s rounded bottom distributes hook stress evenly, making it reliable for varying hook-set forces. The bronzed finish provides adequate corrosion resistance for freshwater use but will develop patina over time, especially in humid storage conditions. The turned-down tapered eye allows for clean fly-tying attachment without bulk. Standard wire gauge (approximately 0.047″-0.055″) balances strength with minimal disturbance to natural fly presentation.
Technical Measurements
Size measured: 2. Method: Physical measurement with calipers.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | ~1.10"-1.14" (~27.9-29.0 mm) P |
| Shank Length | ~0.63"-0.71" (~16.0-18.0 mm) |
| Gap Width | ~0.38"-0.42" (~9.7-10.7 mm) P |
| Bend Depth | ~0.32"-0.40" (~8.1-10.2 mm) |
| Weight | Not available |
| Shank-to-Gap Ratio | ~1.6-1.8 : 1 |
Overall length measured across full hook profile: 11.2 small grid squares = 1.12" (confirmed by researcher calipers at 1.12"). Gap width confirmed by researcher calipers at 0.40". Shank length counted at ~6.3-7.1 small squares along shank centerline (accounting for slight upward angle of eye) = ~0.63"-0.71". Bend depth measured from shank axis to deepest point of curve: ~3.2-4.0 small squares = ~0.32"-0.40". Wire diameter estimated from wire profile in side view: approximately 4.7-5.5 small squares across wire cross-section = ~0.047"-0.055". Grid alignment: clean horizontal alignment in images 3-4. Calibration check: caliper-confirmed measurements anchor grid-derived estimates. Recommend physical calipers for confirmation of shank length and bend depth if high precision required.
Historical Context
wright_mcgill
Wright & McGill Co. was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1921 as a fishing tackle manufacturing business. The company became known for producing the Eagle Claw line of hooks under trademark, which was registered with the U.S. Patent Office early in the company’s history. The 1930 copyright marking on this box indicates Eagle Claw was an established brand by that date. Wright & McGill grew to become a major American tackle supplier, competing with Mustad and other industrial manufacturers. The company’s Denver location made it a key regional supplier for Western trout and mountain stream fishing markets. The Eagle Claw trademark became synonymous with quality American hooks for general-purpose fly and bait fishing. The company continued production through the mid-20th century, eventually becoming one of the largest American hook manufacturers.
Series History
The Eagle Claw line was Wright & McGill’s primary hook product line, introduced in the 1920s-1930s. The No. 80 model was a standard Sproat-bend hook in multiple sizes, designed as a general-purpose freshwater hook suitable for fly tying and small live-bait applications. The line used standard steel wire in various gauges and offered bronzed finish as the default specification. Eagle Claw hooks were produced in a wide range of sizes from 2/0 down to 18, with the middle sizes (2-10) being the highest volume. The line remained essentially unchanged in design through the 1950s, with consistent packaging and branding. No documentary evidence suggests significant variants or redesigns within the No. 80 series during this period. The hook represents a straightforward, utilitarian approach to tackle manufacture typical of American producers of that era.
Era and Packaging Dating
Copyright mark '© 1930 W&M CO.' on box label establishes earliest possible production year as 1930. No barcode present (pre-1974 strong indicator). Packaging style consistent with 1930s-1940s American tackle box design: cardboard construction with letterpress printing, orange and cream color scheme typical of that era. Phone number and address format (Denver, Colo., U.S.A.) consistent with 1930s-1940s business printing conventions. Hand-written price or size notation in period handwriting. Eagle Claw trademark and branding prominent, indicating early period of trademark registration. Sproat bend construction and standard wire gauge consistent with pre-1950s American hook manufacturing. No postal ZIP code printed (ZIP codes implemented in 1963), supporting pre-1960 manufacture. Overall evidence strongly points to initial production c. 1930, with continued availability through 1950s.
Wright & McGill's Eagle Claw hook line became so popular in the American West that 'Eagle Claw' became a generic term for quality American hooks by mid-century, much as 'Kleenex' became synonymous with tissues. The 1930 copyright marking on this box places it within the first decade of Eagle Claw trademark protection, making early examples valuable to hook historians and trademark collectors. Denver's location made Wright & McGill a major supplier to Rocky Mountain fly-fishing operations, and Eagle Claw hooks were standard equipment in mountain lodge tackle boxes throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.
Design Lineage and Influence
The Sproat bend itself was a well-established design by the 1930s, originating with British Redditch makers in the 19th century. The No. 80 follows the classic American interpretation of the Sproat — moderate roundness in the bend, standard wire gauge, and a tapered turned-down eye. Wright & McGill’s design competes directly with contemporary Mustad hooks (e.g., Mustad 38941 Sproat) and represents the standard American freshwater hook of the era. The Eagle Claw line influenced later American hook manufacturers and remains a design reference point for modern Sproat-bend hooks.
Related Models — wright_mcgill
| Model | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 80 (this entry) | Wright & McGill Eagle Claw No. 80 Sproat — this model | This model |
| 90 | Wright & McGill Eagle Claw No. 90 — variant Sproat with heavy wire | Variant |
| 70 | Wright & McGill Eagle Claw No. 70 — earlier light-wire variant | Earlier / predecessor |
Usage, Fly Patterns, and Equivalents
Primary Application
The Eagle Claw No. 80 is a general-purpose light trout and panfish hook designed for fly tying and small bait applications. The Sproat bend and standard wire gauge make it suitable for dry flies, wet flies, and small nymphs. The bronzed finish provides corrosion resistance for freshwater use. Historically popular in the American market during the 1930s-1950s for general stream and lake fly fishing.
Secondary Applications
Small live bait for panfish and trout; light spinning lures
Classic Fly Patterns
Not typically attributed to named patterns; general-purpose utility hook
Modern Equivalents
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Claw 068H (modern) | Good | Modern Eagle Claw Sproat in standard sizes; same manufacturer, similar bend geometry but improved materials and finish consistency |
| Mustad 3906B | Good | Modern Sproat-bend general-purpose hook; comparable size and application, different manufacturer |
Collectability and Value
| Rarity | Common |
| Market Value (USD) | $8 – $28 |
| Packaging Condition | Good — moderate wear, legible |
| Packaging Format | WM-BOX-01 |
Positive Factors: Excellent packaging with original 1930 copyright marking and complete Eagle Claw label. Early American tackle history from Denver manufacturer. Bronzed finish and period construction have charm for general collectors. Complete 100-hook box would be exceptional.
Limiting Factors: Size 2 in standard configuration was mass-produced in high volume. Wright & McGill’s industrial output was substantial, ensuring abundant surviving stock. No named designer or specialty pattern association. Standard Sproat bend and superior point are common across multiple manufacturers. Condition of this specimen shows normal wear; box shows age toning consistent with 1930-era storage.
Value Drivers: Original packaging condition is the primary value factor. Complete 100-hook box commands significant premium over loose hooks or partial cards. Painted/printed label condition directly correlates with market value. Size 2 is common; smaller sizes (8-12) or unusual sizes would increase rarity modestly. Bronzed finish is stable and desirable to collectors of period tackle.
Packaging
Original manufacturer box with printed label. Orange and cream color scheme with blue Eagle Claw logo (stylized flying eagle). Text reads: WRIGHT & McGILL / EAGLE CLAW / TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / fish HOOKS / 'THEY HOOK AND HOLD' / T.M. / 100 HOOKS / 80 BRONZE FINISH / Pattern _____ Size 2 / MANUFACTURED BY / WRIGHT & McGILL CO., DENVER, COLO., U.S.A. / © 1930 W&M CO. Box appears original with period letterpress printing. No barcode visible. Hand-written size notation in period handwriting visible on label.
Market Value Notes
Low ($8): Good condition — opened box with ~80-95 hooks present, label wear, hooks bright with no corrosion.<br />
High ($28): Excellent condition — sealed or near-sealed original 100-hook box, complete count, label with light toning only, hooks perfect.<br />
Premium factors: Original packaging in any condition adds 300-400% premium over loose hooks; complete 100-hook count critical; label legibility and paint condition significant; early 1930 copyright marking command attention from Wright & McGill specialists.<br />
Platforms: eBay US (vintage tackle category), occasional tackle fairs and antique malls, specialist Wright & McGill dealers.<br />
Confidence: E estimated — limited recent comparable sales data; values based on typical Wright & McGill box pricing and American vintage hook market norms.
Where to Find
eBay US (search 'Eagle Claw vintage box' or 'Wright McGill 80'); occasional at regional tackle and antique fairs in the American West; specialist vintage fly-fishing dealers in Colorado and Mountain West states.
Collector's Identification Tips
Look for the printed ‘EAGLE CLAW’ trademark text and the ‘© 1930 W&M CO.’ copyright mark on the box label — this dating marker is distinctive. The orange and cream color scheme with blue eagle logo is characteristic of Wright & McGill’s 1930s-1940s packaging. The ‘100 HOOKS’ denomination and size notation are typical of this era’s box construction. Original label legibility is a key authentication and condition marker; heavily faded or damaged labels indicate older storage or exposure conditions. Size 2 in the No. 80 pattern is common; look for unusual sizes (14-18 or 1/0-2/0) to identify scarcer variants.
Storage and Preservation
Store the original box in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture. The bronzed finish is stable but will develop a warm patina over time with age and humidity exposure — this patination is generally considered desirable by collectors and does not indicate corrosion. Keep the box away from metal objects that could cause galvanic interaction. If the box shows signs of moisture exposure, allow it to air dry slowly in a well-ventilated space; do not apply heat. Avoid handling the hooks excessively, as oils from skin can accumulate on the bronzed surface. Original packaging significantly adds to the historical value — keep hooks on the original card or in the original box rather than removing them. If individual hooks need to be removed for use, store them separately in a small labeled container to preserve the original count and packaging integrity.
Handwritten Notations
A hand-written size notation is visible on the box label, appearing to mark ‘Size 2’ in period handwriting consistent with 1930s-1940s business practice. The notation may represent original inventory marking, stock control, or retail labeling from the period of manufacture. The handwriting style and ink color suggest period contemporaneous with the box construction rather than later annotation. This type of marking is common on original Wright & McGill boxes and adds provenance value, indicating the box has been in continuous collection rather than recently assembled from loose stock.
Packaging Text Analysis
Source: Original Wright & McGill Eagle Claw No. 80 box label, c. 1930
The printed text ‘THEY HOOK AND HOLD’ with trademark notation is Wright & McGill’s primary advertising slogan for the Eagle Claw line, emphasizing penetration and holding power — key selling points for American anglers in the 1930s. The phrase appears consistently across all known Eagle Claw packaging of this era. The ‘© 1930 W&M CO.’ copyright mark is significant: it establishes 1930 as the year of design registration, suggesting the Eagle Claw line was formally codified and trademarked at that date. The specification ’80 BRONZE FINISH’ in grey text appears to have been stamped or overprinted on the label, indicating production-run customization typical of box manufacturing of that period. The location ‘DENVER, COLO., U.S.A.’ reflects Wright & McGill’s regional market strength; the inclusion of ‘U.S.A.’ was standard on period export boxes, suggesting these boxes may have been sold internationally as well as domestically. The ‘100 HOOKS’ denomination is consistent with standard tackle box packaging conventions of the era, designed for retail display and wholesale bulk purchase.
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).