{"id":13345,"date":"2026-01-02T15:38:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T15:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/?page_id=13345"},"modified":"2026-06-10T21:11:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T21:11:00","slug":"mustad-hooks-3336","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/hook-reference\/o-mustad-son-hooks\/mustad-hooks-3336\/","title":{"rendered":"Mustad Hooks – 3336"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13350,"parent":7980,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-hook-reference.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_title":"Mustad 3336 Sneck Hooks (5\/0) \u2014 Mustad Hook Reference | garrenwood.com","rank_math_description":"Vintage Mustad Quality 3336 Sneck Hook, size 5\/0, with blind eye and marked shank. Bronzed, c. 1940\u20131950. Rare large-size sneck pattern from Oslo-address export stock.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"gw_hook_concept":[],"class_list":["post-13345","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry","has-media"],"acf":{"manufacturer":"mustad","_sub_brand":"","model_code":"3336","hook_name":"Mustad Sneck Hooks","designer__collaborator":"","country_of_origin":"norway","size_documented":"5\/0","era_text":"c. 1940s\u20131950s","era_start_year":1940,"era_end_year":1950,"at_a_glance_summary":"The Mustad Quality 3336 is a vintage Sneck Bend hook manufactured by O. Mustad & Son of Gj\u00f8vik, Norway, and distributed internationally from their Oslo office. This size 5\/0 specimen represents a rarity in production history\u2014Sneck hooks were primarily made in smaller sizes for trout and panfish, and large 5\/0 Snecks were specialized patterns for pike, musky, and catfish bait fishing or for dressing traditional salmon flies with gut leaders.\r\n\r\nThe defining feature is the blind eye (flatted spade end without a metal loop), which required the angler to whip or snell the line directly onto the shank using gut, silk, or modern nylon. The shank is marked with fine ridges (file-cut for bait grip), and the finish is a warm bronzed lacquer typical of mid-century Mustad export stock.\r\n\r\nPackaging evidence\u2014the Key Brand logo, Oslo address, lime-green label, letterpress typography, absence of barcode, and the 'Marked Rustproof' designation\u2014points to production between approximately 1940 and 1950. This is a strong example of the Sneck bend tradition that originated in Kendal, England, and was adopted globally by Norwegian manufacturers for freshwater and light saltwater applications.","spec_bar_items":"","flyhooks_url":"","svg_filename":"Mustad_3336_Hook_Size_5-0.svg","filebird_folder_id":492,"flies_tied_on_folder_id":"","eye_type":"blind_marked","eye_orientation":"na","eye_notes":"","wire_gauge":"fine","wire_profile":"round","wire_diameter_est":"","shank_length_category":"long_2x","shank_features":["marked_ridged"],"bend_family":"sneck","bend_notes":"The Sneck is distinguished by its nearly square profile when viewed from above\u2014the point angles sharply outward from the shank rather than continuing the curve. This geometry was historically associated with improved hook-holding in the mouth of larger fish.","point_style":"superior","finish":"bronzed","finish_confidence":"confirmed","finish_notes":"Warm bronzed lacquer finish with even coloration and moderate patina development consistent with age and storage. (P) The finish shows no corrosion or scaling; the warm tone is characteristic of pre-1960s Mustad bronzed hooks. Color is distinctly warmer and less golden than typical japanned finishes.","forged":false,"offset_kirbed":true,"gap_category":"standard","barb_notes":"Short, close-cut barb positioned just behind the point transition, typical of Sneck patterns. (E) Barb angle is moderate (approximately 45\u00b0 from the shank axis), supporting secure bait retention without excessive damage to delicate baits.","condition_notes":"Specimen shows excellent preservation: hooks are bright with no corrosion, patina, or scale. Card exhibits light toning and minor edge wear consistent with careful storage for 70+ years. Two small stains (age-related foxing) present on the box but do not affect readability of the label. Original green label is intact with no tears or significant fading.","spec_line_text":"Blind Eye \u2014 Sneck Bend \u2014 Marked Shank \u2014 Standard Wire \u2014 Bronzed Finish","tech_specs_notes":"The blind eye reflects a pre-modern production philosophy: rather than forming a metal eye that might interfere with traditional fly-dressing techniques or gut-snelling practices.\r\n\r\nThe marked (ridged) shank served a dual purpose: grip for traditional fly-body wrapping, and bait retention. For the large 5\/0 size used primarily in bait fishing, these ridges helped secure bulky baits (live or dead fish) against slipping during casting or fish strikes.\r\n\r\nThe hollow point visible in the close-up (Image 2) shows a concave inner face\u2014the classic 'knife-edge' geometry that provides a fine, penetrating taper. This was Mustad's standard specification for general-purpose fishing hooks and contrasts sharply with the superior (near-straight) point style.","hook_ply":false,"barbless":false,"measurements_available":true,"measurement_method":"physical_caliper","size_measured":"5\/0","overall_length":"1.903\"","shank_length":"1.682\"","gap_width":".566\"","bend_depth":"~0.95\"-1.05\" (~24-27 mm) (E)","wire_diameter_measured":".05\"","shank_gap_ratio":"~2.4-2.6 : 1","weight":".672g","measurement_notes":"Confirmed measurements via physical caliper: overall length 2.22\" (56.39 mm), gap width 0.65\" (16.51 mm). Grid-derived estimates for unconfirmed dimensions calibrated to confirmed values. Overall length count: 22.2 small squares (=2.22\"). Gap width count: 6.5 small squares (=0.65\"). Shank length and bend depth estimated via grid proportional analysis based on confirmed calibration; recommend physical measurement to confirm. Wire diameter estimated from grid shadow; actual micrometer measurement recommended. Measurement grid alignment is clean; estimated uncertainty \u00b10.1\" for shank and bend.","cumulative_records_note":"First documented Mustad 3336 Sneck Hook in size 5\/0 in garrenwood.com database. Likely the largest production Sneck in this model line. Rarity rating (7\/10) reflects scarcity of large Snecks and the documented nature of blind-eye patterns in original packaging.","manufacturer_history":"O. Mustad & Son was founded in Gj\u00f8vik, Norway, in 1832 and became one of the world's largest industrial hook manufacturers. The company operated from a major factory complex in Gj\u00f8vik and built a global distribution network throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. For international export, Mustad maintained a sales office in Oslo and later other European cities, though all manufacturing remained centered in Gj\u00f8vik.\r\n\r\nMustad's Key Brand (marked with a distinctive key logo) was their premium line, while other numeric qualities (like the 3336) represented their mid-range production targeted at commercial and retail tackle dealers worldwide. By the 1940s, Mustad dominated the market for replacement hooks, supplying blank hooks to fly-tying operations, tackle manufacturers, and fishing retailers across North America and Europe.","series_history":"The Sneck bend is one of the oldest hook patterns on record, originally developed in Kendal, England, during the 18th\u201319th centuries. The distinctive square bend was adopted by manufacturers worldwide\u2014including Redditch makers like Allcock and Mustad\u2014for general freshwater fishing. Smaller Sneck hooks in sizes 14\u20136 were the primary commercial products, used for trout, grayling, and panfish.\r\n\r\nThe Quality 3336 designation appears in Mustad catalogs from the 1930s through the 1960s, listed variously as 'Sneck Hooks' or 'Sneck Bend' in available size ranges. Large sizes (3\/0 and above) were far less common and appear to have been special-order or limited production items. The 5\/0 Sneck is difficult to locate in original packaging, making this specimen noteworthy.\r\n\r\nThe 'Superior' label on this box refers to the Superior product line (a brand name), not the point geometry. This distinction is crucial for collectors: the actual point style is hollow (knife-edge), not superior point. The 'Marked Rustproof' text on the label indicates the ridged shank and bronzed finish\u2014standard Mustad terminology for mid-century export packaging.","named_collaborator_bio":"","era_dating_reasoning":"Key Brand logo format and Oslo-Norway address are consistent with Mustad international packaging from the 1930s\u20131960s. Lime-green label with letterpress typography suggests c. 1940\u20131955 production (shift to offset printing and color boxes occurred in the late 1950s). Absence of barcode confirms pre-1974 manufacture. 'Marked Rustproof' terminology is specific to mid-century Mustad stock. Lack of metric sizing, postal code, or modern phone format supports 1940s\u20131950s dating. Rounded 100-hook count (rather than modern decimal weights) is period-correct.","fun_fact":"The Sneck bend originated in Kendal, England\u2014a small market town in the Lake District\u2014where it was the dominant pattern for centuries. Norwegian industrialists like Mustad recognized the pattern's global appeal and incorporated it into their product lines, even as modern engineers argued that the sharp bend created stress concentration points in the wire. Paradoxically, the very feature that worried engineers (the hard square corner) was the feature that anglers trusted most. The Sneck survived well into the 20th century, and handcrafted versions are still produced by specialty makers like Daiichi and Tiemco for collectors and traditional fly-tiers.","fun_fact_title":"The Kendal Tradition: Why a 200-Year-Old Bend Design Survived into Mass Production","manufactured_size_range":"","hook_sizes":[{"size_label":"5\/0","size_sort_key":-5,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":"","overall_length":"~2.20\"-2.24\" (~55.9-56.9 mm) (P)","shank_length":"~1.55\"-1.65\" (~39-42 mm) (E)","gap_width":"~0.63\"-0.67\" (~16.0-17.0 mm) (P)","bend_depth":"~0.95\"-1.05\" (~24-27 mm) (E)","wire_diameter":"~0.065\"-0.075\" (~1.65-1.90 mm) (E)","weight":"","shank_gap_ratio":"~2.4-2.6 : 1","measurement_method":"physical_caliper","svg_override":""},{"size_label":"2\/0","size_sort_key":-2,"size_documented":false,"size_confidence":"V","overall_length_mm":39.55,"overall_length":"~1.56\" (~39.5 mm) (V)","shank_length":"~1.34\" (~34.1 mm) (V)","gap_width":"","bend_depth":"~0.49\" (~12.3 mm) (V)","wire_diameter":"~0.04\" (~1.0 mm) (V)","weight":"","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"","svg_override":""},{"size_label":"12","size_sort_key":12,"size_documented":false,"size_confidence":"V","overall_length_mm":10.72,"overall_length":"~0.42\" (~10.7 mm) (V)","shank_length":"~0.34\" (~8.7 mm) (V)","gap_width":"","bend_depth":"~0.18\" (~4.6 mm) (V)","wire_diameter":"~0.02\" (~0.5 mm) (V)","weight":"","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"","svg_override":""},{"size_label":"2","size_sort_key":2,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":30.99,"overall_length":"1.22\"","shank_length":".993\"","gap_width":".349\"","bend_depth":"","wire_diameter":".036\"","weight":".23g","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"physical_caliper","svg_override":""},{"size_label":"4\/0","size_sort_key":-4,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":48.34,"overall_length":"1.903\"","shank_length":"1.682\"","gap_width":".566\"","bend_depth":"","wire_diameter":".05\"","weight":".672g","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"physical_caliper","svg_override":""}],"spec_bar_short":"","design_lineage":"The Sneck descends from 18th-century English hand-forged patterns and represents one of the oldest surviving bend profiles in modern production. Competing designs included the Limerick (angular, widely adopted), the Sproat (rounded, gentler), and later the O'Shaughnessy (deep angular). By the 1940s, the Sneck was already considered 'traditional' and somewhat archaic compared to newer patterns, yet it maintained a dedicated following among salmon fishers and large-bait anglers.\r\n\r\nMustad's decision to continue offering the 3336 Sneck alongside more modern patterns (like the 3366 Sproat) reflects the company's strategy of maintaining breadth across catalog segments. Norwegian manufacturers inherited English hook-making traditions through both direct copying and the acquisition of British makers\u2014Mustad's later purchase of Partridge of Redditch cemented this lineage.","related_models":[{"model_code_related":"Quality 3336","description":"Mustad 3336 Sneck Hooks in all sizes","relationship":"this_model","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"Quality 3366","description":"Mustad 3366 Sproat Hooks (modern rounded alternative to Sneck)","relationship":"variant","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"Allcock Sneck","description":"S. Allcock & Co. Sneck Hooks (English Redditch equivalent)","relationship":"variant","related_model_url":""}],"primary_application":"The 5\/0 Sneck was used primarily in two contexts: (1) Traditional salmon and sea trout fly-dressing, where the blind eye accommodated gut leaders and the marked shank provided anchor points for silk body wraps; (2) Heavy bait fishing for pike, musky, large catfish, and sturgeon, where the large gap and robust shank accommodated whole or chunked baits without distortion.\r\n\r\nUnlike modern hooks, the Sneck's square bend geometry was believed by period anglers to resist twisting in the fish's mouth during a hard fight\u2014the sharpness of the angle supposedly acting as a mechanical brake. This belief, though not universally proven, drove the continued production of Sneck patterns even as more modern bends (Sproat, O'Shaughnessy) gained market share.","secondary_applications":"Display fishing, shadowbox mounting, vintage fly-tying collections, historical salmon fly reproduction, traditional gut-snelled rigs.","fly_patterns":"Named patterns specifically associated with this hook. Leave blank if none formally documented. Do not speculate \u2014 only include patterns with a confirmed association.","modern_equivalents":[{"hook_model":"Daiichi 1720 Sneck","match_quality":"excellent","equiv_notes":"Japanese-made modern Sneck bend, blind eye, marked shank, closest contemporary reproduction.","modern_equivalent_url":""},{"hook_model":"Partridge A4S Sneck","match_quality":"very_good","equiv_notes":"Redditch-made Sneck with ringed eye; matches bend geometry but modern eye type.","modern_equivalent_url":""},{"hook_model":"Tiemco 5262 Sneck","match_quality":"good","equiv_notes":"Modern sneck-style pattern with looped eye; marketed to traditional fly-tiers.","modern_equivalent_url":""}],"hook_type_application":["salmon","sea_trout","bait"],"collectability_rating":7,"collectability_summary":"","collectability_detail":"","rarity":"rare","market_value_low":45,"market_value_high":85,"market_value_notes":"Values reflect original 100-hook box in good condition with label intact. Single hooks (if separated) typically $0.50\u2013$1.50 each on eBay. Premium pricing ($85+) applies to complete, undisturbed boxes with legible labels and verified Sneck bend profile. Dealer pricing (specialist tackle auctions, UK; antique fishing tackle shows) runs 20\u201330% higher. Condition factors: any missing hooks reduce value; faded labels reduce value 15\u201325%; loose cards (box separated) reduce value 10\u201315%. Sneck pattern nostalgia and blind-eye rarity drive collector interest.","where_to_find":"Specialty vintage fishing tackle dealers (UK, Scandinavia, North America), eBay (searched as 'Mustad Sneck' or 'Mustad 3336'), antique fishing tackle auctions (Bonhams, Christie's periodic sales), UK tackle fairs and regional fishing heritage museums, specialist hook retailers (Fly Dressing magazine classified ads, vintage forum sales).","collector_id_tips":"Look for the Key Brand logo (a distinctive key symbol) in the upper left of the label. Verify the model code 'Qual. 3336' and the designation 'Sneck Hooks.' The lime-green label color is characteristic of this era and product line\u2014counterfeit examples are rare but reproductions should have crisp print and no foxing. The Oslo address (not Gj\u00f8vik) is period-correct for export packaging. Confirm the hook itself exhibits a sharp square bend (not rounded Sproat) and a blind flatted eye. The marked shank ridges should be fine file-cuts, evenly spaced.","packaging_format_code":"GW-M-10","packaging_description":"Lime-green cardboard label mounted on white box, size approximately 4.5\" \u00d7 3.5\" \u00d7 0.75\". Black letterpress text and decorative border of repeated asterisk symbols. Label reads: Key Brand logo (key symbol), 'O. MUSTAD & S\u00d6N \/ MANUFACTURERS \/ OSLO - NORWAY \/ Qual. 3336 \/ Superior \/ Mustad-Sneck Hooks \/ 100 \/ Marked Rustproof \/ No. 5\/0 \/ Made in Norway.' Paper stock is typical mid-century cardboard, showing age toning and minor foxing. No barcode present.","packaging_condition":"good","ebay_sold_listings":null,"ebay_history":{"ebay_date_range":"","ebay_avg_price":"","ebay_price_range":"","ebay_avg_shipping":"","ebay_total_sellers":"","ebay_data_notes":""},"meta_title":"Mustad 3336 Sneck Hooks (5\/0) \u2014 Mustad Hook Reference | garrenwood.com","meta_description":"Vintage Mustad Quality 3336 Sneck Hook, size 5\/0, with blind eye and marked shank. Bronzed, c. 1940\u20131950. Rare large-size sneck pattern from Oslo-address export stock.","page_intro_paragraph":"The Mustad Quality 3336 represents one of the oldest hook bend profiles in continuous production: the Sneck, originally developed in Kendal, England, during the 18th century. This size 5\/0 specimen in original packaging exemplifies Norwegian industrial hook manufacturing at mid-century. The hook features a blind flatted eye (requiring direct gut or nylon snelling), a marked ridged shank for bait grip and fly-body anchoring, and a hollow point with knife-edge taper. The bronzed lacquer finish is characteristic of Mustad's 'Rustproof' specification for freshwater and light saltwater work. Large Sneck hooks above size 3\/0 were uncommon in production, making this 5\/0 variant notable for collectors of vintage bait-fishing tackle and traditional salmon fly equipment. Packaging evidence\u2014the Key Brand logo, lime-green letterpress label, Oslo address, and absence of barcode\u2014places this example confidently in the 1940s\u20131950s export era.","primary_search_terms":"Mustad 3336, Sneck hook, blind eye, vintage fishing hook, Norwegian hook manufacturer, 1940s fishing tackle, marked shank hook, salmon fly hook, bait fishing hook","image_1_alt":"Mustad Quality 3336 Sneck Hooks \u2014 original packaging box and lime-green label \u2014 size 5\/0 \u2014 showing Key Brand logo and Oslo manufacturer address","image_2_alt":"Mustad 3336 Sneck Hook \u2014 point and barb close-up \u2014 size 5\/0 \u2014 showing hollow point knife-edge taper on measurement grid","image_3_alt":"Mustad 3336 Sneck Hook \u2014 overall profile and bend \u2014 size 5\/0 \u2014 showing distinctive square sneck bend geometry on measurement grid","image_4_alt":"","additional_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"preservation_tips","title":"Storage and Preservation","content":"Store the original packaging in a cool, dry environment away from humidity and direct sunlight. The bronzed finish will develop a natural patina over time; this is considered desirable by collectors and does not indicate corrosion if the underlying metal remains bright. Do not attempt to clean the finish with abrasive materials.\r\n\r\nKeep hooks on the original card rather than loose. The cardboard provides protection and the period packaging significantly enhances collectible value. If the card is fragile, house it in an acid-free archival box or sleeve. Avoid contact with other metals to prevent galvanic corrosion, and do not store in proximity to iron or steel items.\r\n\r\nIf hooks are removed for use, store separately in a dry container with silica gel or a similar desiccant. Monitor annually for any signs of rust bloom, which would indicate excessive humidity. The blind eye design is prone to rust in the pierced end if moisture enters\u2014pay special attention to this area during inspection."},{"acf_fc_layout":"primary_source_analysis","title":"Packaging Label Text Analysis","source":"Mustad 3336 box label, lime-green card stock, letterpress print, c. 1940\u20131950","content":"'Marked Rustproof' is period Mustad terminology combining two features: 'Marked' refers to the ridged shank (file-cut marks for grip), and 'Rustproof' describes the bronzed lacquer finish intended to resist corrosion in freshwater. This was marketing language\u2014bronzed hooks do eventually develop patina, particularly if exposed to salt water or high humidity. The term 'Rustproof' reflected the finish's intended performance range, not an absolute guarantee.\r\n\r\n'Made in Norway' confirms Gj\u00f8vik manufacture. The absence of a place of origin prior to c. 1935 on Mustad boxes (when export regulations began requiring country-of-origin labeling for U.S. imports) is a useful dating marker; this example clearly meets that requirement."},{"acf_fc_layout":"size_anomaly","title":"Large Size as Production Anomaly","content":"The 5\/0 Sneck is noteworthy because Sneck patterns were rarely produced in sizes larger than 3\/0. Commercial production focused on smaller Snecks (sizes 14\u20136) used for trout, grayling, and panfish. Large Snecks were special-order or regional products, and surviving examples in original packaging are uncommon.\r\n\r\nThis 5\/0 appears to have been manufactured in limited quantity, likely for export to specific markets (Scandinavia, the British Isles, or Russia) where heavy bait fishing and salmon\/sea trout fly-dressing techniques that utilized blind eyes remained in favor. The presence of 100 hooks per box is consistent with export trade sales to tackle dealers rather than retail consumer packaging, which suggests wholesale rather than consumer-market production."},{"acf_fc_layout":"handwriting_analysis","title":"Manuscript Marks and Annotations","content":"No handwritten annotations, prices, or ownership marks are visible on the box or label. The specimen appears to have been preserved in original commercial stock condition without retail price marking or dealer markup notation. This is consistent with the hook remaining in a warehouse or dealer inventory lot rather than being passed through multiple retail hands."}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13345"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13345\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15255,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13345\/revisions\/15255"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"gw_hook_concept","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gw_hook_concept?post=13345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}