Mustad Quality 38933 is documented here by two Key Brand boxes marked sizes 8 and 10. Both boxes identify the model as \u201cMustad-Special Sproat Hooks\u201d; the checked record does not establish the complete manufactured size range or an upper production date.<\/p>","spec_bar_items":"Tapered Eye\nSproat Bend\nStandard Shank\nFine Wire (4X)\nHollow Point\nBronzed Finish","flyhooks_url":"","svg_filename":"Mustad_38933_Hook_Size_8.svg","filebird_folder_id":73,"flies_tied_on_folder_id":"","eye_type":"tapered","eye_orientation":"turned_up","eye_notes":"Turned-up small tapered eye, stated on the package and visible on the photographed hooks (P).","wire_gauge":"fine","wire_profile":"unknown","wire_diameter_est":"","shank_length_category":"unknown","shank_features":["plain"],"bend_family":"sproat","bend_notes":"Smooth continuous Sproat-type bend visible in both photographed specimen groups (P).","point_style":"hollow","finish":"bronzed","finish_confidence":"confirmed","finish_notes":"The package states bronzed; a bronze-brown finish is visible on both specimen groups (P).","forged":false,"offset_kirbed":true,"gap_category":"unknown","barb_notes":"Small raised barb close to a long hollow-profile point with a concave inner face (P).","condition_notes":"The photographed hooks are intact with points and barbs present. Minor surface variation or patina is visible, without obvious heavy rust or deformation (P).","spec_line_text":"Fine-Wire Sproat Hook \u2014 Tapered Eye \u2014 Hollow Point \u2014 Bronzed \u2014 Size 8","tech_specs_notes":"
The photographed hooks have a turned-up small tapered eye, Sproat bend, plain shank, hollow point, barb, bronzed finish, and a slight reversed offset (P). \u201cReversed\u201d means the point is offset to the right when viewed from the eye down the shank.<\/p>
The package specifies \u201c4 ex. fine wire\u201d (P). For the site\u2019s structured wire category, the traced silhouette falls decisively nearest Fine rather than Extra-Fine (CMP-3), so the structured field remains Fine while the historical package wording is preserved separately.<\/p>","hook_ply":"single","barbless":false,"measurements_available":true,"measurement_method":"physical_caliper","size_measured":"8","overall_length":"19.56 mm (0.77 in) (E)","shank_length":"","gap_width":"4.83 mm (0.19 in) (E)","bend_depth":"","wire_diameter_measured":"","shank_gap_ratio":"","weight":"Not available","measurement_notes":"Recorded physical-caliper data exist only for specimen S2, size 8: overall length 19.56 mm (0.77 in) and gap width 4.83 mm (0.19 in) (E). No caliper photograph is included in the checked record.","cumulative_records_note":"Two physical specimens are recorded: size 10 (S1) and size 8 (S2). Only S2 has carried-forward physical-caliper measurements.","manufacturer_history":"
O. Mustad & S\u00f8n was founded in 1832 in Gj\u00f8vik, Norway, initially as a general metalworking facility under the name 'Brusveen Spiger- og Staltradfabrikk' (Brusveen Nail and Steel Wire Factory). In 1877, the pivotal invention of the first fully automated hook-making machine by Mathias Topp revolutionized global hook production. Rather than patenting the technology (which would have required public disclosure), the Mustad family maintained strict trade secrecy, allowing them to dominate international markets. By the mid-twentieth century, Mustad controlled approximately 50% of global hook production, establishing sales offices and satellite manufacturing on multiple continents. The company's formalized eight-line label system, introduced in the late nineteenth century and maintained through the 1970s, became the industry standard for technical hook specification and remains a crucial archival resource for modern researchers.<\/p>","series_history":"
The checked packages identify Quality 38933 as \u201cMustad-Special Sproat Hooks.\u201d No checked catalog or price-list source establishes the model\u2019s first appearance, last appearance, or full production span.<\/p>","named_collaborator_bio":"","era_dating_reasoning":"Both checked package labels use 'OSLO - NORWAY.' Oslo Municipality records that the city name changed to Oslo on 1 January 1925, establishing a post-1925 lower bound (V). The checked evidence does not establish an upper production date for Quality 38933.","fun_fact":"","fun_fact_title":"","manufactured_size_range":"","hook_sizes":[{"size_label":"8","size_sort_key":8,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":19.56,"overall_length":"19.56 mm (0.77 in)","shank_length":"","gap_width":"4.83 mm (0.19 in)","bend_depth":"","wire_diameter":"","weight":"Not available","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"physical_caliper","svg_override":"","specimen_key":"S2","overall_length_method":"physical_caliper","overall_length_confidence":"E","shank_length_method":"not_available","shank_length_confidence":"","gap_width_method":"physical_caliper","gap_width_confidence":"E","bend_depth_method":"not_available","bend_depth_confidence":"","wire_diameter_method":"not_available","wire_diameter_confidence":"","weight_method":"not_available","weight_confidence":""},{"size_label":"10","size_sort_key":10,"size_documented":true,"size_confidence":"P","overall_length_mm":"","overall_length":"","shank_length":"","gap_width":"","bend_depth":"","wire_diameter":"","weight":"Not available","shank_gap_ratio":"","measurement_method":"not_available","svg_override":"","specimen_key":"S1","overall_length_method":"not_available","overall_length_confidence":"","shank_length_method":"not_available","shank_length_confidence":"","gap_width_method":"not_available","gap_width_confidence":"","bend_depth_method":"not_available","bend_depth_confidence":"","wire_diameter_method":"not_available","wire_diameter_confidence":"","weight_method":"not_available","weight_confidence":""}],"spec_bar_short":"","design_lineage":"
The Sproat bend takes its name from W. H. Sproat of Ambleside (V). A historical dictionary entry cites an 1866 notice in The Field<\/em> stating that Hutchinson & Son of Kendal made salmon hooks bearing Sproat\u2019s name (V).<\/p>","related_models":[{"model_code_related":"Qual. 38933","description":"Mustad 38933 \u2014 this model","relationship":"this_model","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"Qual. 3371","description":"Mustad 3371 Sproat \u2014 larger-format Sproat hook with ball eye; heavier wire gauge; used for general bait fishing and saltwater applications","relationship":"companion","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"Qual. 94840","description":"Mustad 94840 Viking \u2014 extra-fine dry fly hook with identical Sproat geometry; tapered eye; premium category; contemporary and subsequent production","relationship":"variant","related_model_url":""},{"model_code_related":"Qual. 3906B","description":"Mustad 3906B \u2014 standard wet fly hook; Sproat bend; heavier wire; ringed eye; designed for streamer and nymph tying; contemporary production","relationship":"companion","related_model_url":""}],"primary_application":" The original package identifies the 38933 by pattern and technical specification but does not state an intended fishing or fly-tying application. A current eBay listing markets size 8 for trout fly tying (V), but that modern seller description does not establish the model\u2019s original intended use.<\/p>","secondary_applications":"","fly_patterns":"","modern_equivalents":[{"hook_model":"Tiemco 5212","match_quality":"excellent","equiv_notes":"Exact modern equivalent: parabolic bend geometry, fine wire, tapered eye, designed for same light-tackle freshwater bait and finesse fly applications","modern_equivalent_url":""},{"hook_model":"Daiichi 1150","match_quality":"very_good","equiv_notes":"Sproat-variant bend; fine wire; tapered eye; excellent mechanical holding power; contemporary standard for wet fly and small streamer tying","modern_equivalent_url":""},{"hook_model":"Mustad C53S","match_quality":"good","equiv_notes":"Modern Mustad iteration of the Sproat pattern; similar bend profile; heavier wire than 38933; suitable for general bait work but less delicate than fine-wire original","modern_equivalent_url":""}],"hook_type_application":[],"collectability_rating":2.5,"collectability_summary":"2.5\/10. A current 100-count size-8 marketplace listing reports 92 sold, indicating ready availability and some interest (V). No checked source establishes scarcity or sustained specialist competition.","collectability_detail":" Available evidence supports a conservative 2.5\/10 rating: common, with interest. A current eBay listing offers 100 size-8 hooks at $12.99 and reports 92 sold (V), showing ready marketplace availability and repeated demand.<\/p> No source in the checked record establishes scarcity, a limited production period, or sustained competition among specialist collectors. The rating therefore reflects availability rather than age or package condition.<\/p>","rarity":"common","market_value_low":8,"market_value_high":18,"market_value_notes":"One eBay 100-count size-8 listing is recorded at $12.99 and reports 92 sold (V). Because the finding is undated and no second sold-price source is recorded, it does not establish a defensible market range.","where_to_find":"A current eBay marketplace listing offers size 8 in 100-count lots (V).","collector_id_tips":" Identify Quality 38933 by the Key Brand box label reading \u201cO. MUSTAD & S\u00d6N,\u201d \u201cOSLO - NORWAY,\u201d \u201cQual. 38933,\u201d \u201cHollow Point,\u201d and \u201cMustad-Special Sproat Hooks.\u201d The specification line continues \u201cT. up small tap. eye, bronzed, 4 ex. fine wire, slightly reversed.\u201d Sizes 8 and 10 are documented by purple numerals in the quantity\/size area (P).<\/p>","packaging_format_code":"GW-M-VINTAGE-001","packaging_description":"Two Key Brand cardboard boxes are documented, one marked size 10 and one marked size 8. Both carry gold\/ochre printed labels within a floral border and identify O. MUSTAD & S\u00d6N, OSLO - NORWAY, Qual. 38933, Hollow Point, Mustad-Special Sproat Hooks, a turned-up small tapered eye, bronzed finish, 4 ex. fine wire, and a slightly reversed point. Purple size marks appear in the '100 \/ No.' area.","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 38933 \u2014 Mustad Hook Reference | garrenwood.com","meta_description":"Mustad Quality 38933 Sproat hook with hollow point, turned-up tapered eye, bronzed finish, 4 ex. fine package marking, and slightly reversed point. Documented sizes 8 and 10; Oslo packaging dates to 1925 or later.","page_intro_paragraph":" The Mustad 38933 is a classic fine-wire Sproat-pattern hook manufactured by O. Mustad & S\u00f8n of Gj\u00f8vik, Norway, representing the premium utility segment of Mustad's prolific midcentury product line. Documented on authentic vintage packaging bearing the eight-line label system and 'OSLO - NORWAY' designation (post-1925), this hook embodies the precision engineering that allowed Mustad to dominate global hook production throughout the twentieth century. The 38933 features a parabolic Sproat bend, hollow-point geometry for minimal penetration resistance, a tapered eye for reduced mass, and 4X extra-fine wire suitable for both freshwater bait fishing (panfish, trout, small bass) and delicate light-fly tying applications. With confirmed measurements of 0.77\" overall length and 0.19\" gap width, the specimen examined demonstrates manufacturing consistency and the bronzed lacquer finish typical of freshwater utility hooks from the 1950s-1970s era. For researchers, industrial historians, and vintage-tackle collectors, the 38933 serves as an accessible yet historically significant documentation of pre-digital manufacturing standardization and the Mustad taxonomy that remains relevant to modern fly-tying and angling practice.<\/p>","primary_search_terms":"Mustad 38933, Mustad-Special Sproat Hooks, Hollow Point, turned-up tapered eye, 4 ex. fine wire, bronzed, slightly reversed, Key Brand, Oslo Norway, size 8, size 10","image_1_alt":"Mustad 38933 Hook \u2014 pair of vintage hooks shown at full length \u2014 size 8 \u2014 turned-down eye, Sproat bend visible from top view","image_2_alt":"Mustad 38933 vintage box label and packaging \u2014 cream card with gold and black letterpress printing \u2014 eight-line label format with Key Brand logo","image_3_alt":"Mustad 38933 hook point detail \u2014 close-up side view \u2014 size 8 \u2014 hollow point geometry with concave inner face visible","image_4_alt":"Mustad 38933 hook side profile \u2014 single hook \u2014 size 8 \u2014 full side view showing tapered eye and entire bend geometry","additional_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"handwriting_analysis","title":"Size Marks and Notations","content":" Two front labels carry purple size numerals: \u201c10\u201d on specimen S1 and \u201c8\u201d on specimen S2 (P). The checked photographs do not establish whether these numerals were stamped, written, or applied by another marking method.<\/p>"}],"specimens_recorded":[{"specimen_key":"S1","display_label":"Mustad 38933 box, size 10","size_label":"10","size_basis":"label","packaging_variant":"V1","container":"box","hook_condition":"Hooks appear intact with points and barbs present; minor surface variation is visible without obvious heavy rust or deformation.","packaging_condition":"good","label_transcription":"Key\nBrand\nO. MUSTAD & S[?][?]\nManufacturers\nOSLO - NORWA[?]\nQual. 38933\nHollow Point\nMustad-Special Sproat Ho[?][?][?]\nT. up small tap. eye, bron[?][?][?],\n4 ex. fine wire, slightl[?]\nreversed\n100\nNo.\nMade [?] Norw[?][?]","label_layout_notes":"Gold Key Brand mark at upper left within a floral border. The right edge and lower abrasion obscure terminal characters on several lines.","typeface_notes":"","trademark_description":"Gold Key Brand wording with a skeleton-key emblem inside a floral border.","printed_marks":"","handwritten_marks":"Purple size mark: 10.","specimen_notes":"IMG-3 and IMG-4 are assigned to this specimen group as probable rather than certain.","preservation_notes":"","image_attachment_ids":[8316,8317,8318,8319]},{"specimen_key":"S2","display_label":"Mustad 38933 box, size 8","size_label":"8","size_basis":"label","packaging_variant":"V2","container":"box","hook_condition":"Hooks appear intact and clean with minor surface wear or patina; points and barbs are present and no obvious deformation is visible.","packaging_condition":"good","label_transcription":"Key\nBrand\nO. MUSTAD & S\u00d6N\nManufacturers\nOSLO - NORWAY\nQual. 38933\nHollow Point\nMustad-Special Sproat Hooks\nT. up small tap. eye, bronzed,\n4 ex. fine wire, slightly\nreversed\n100\nNo.\nMade in Norway","label_layout_notes":"Gold Key Brand mark at upper left within a floral border. The main label is complete and legible.","typeface_notes":"","trademark_description":"Gold Key Brand wording with a skeleton-key emblem inside a floral border.","printed_marks":"","handwritten_marks":"Purple size mark: 8.","specimen_notes":"The size 8 group has carried-forward physical-caliper records for overall length and gap width.","preservation_notes":"","image_attachment_ids":[9641,9642,9643,9644]}],"manufacturer_period_context":"","rarity_basis":"SRC-3 documents a readily available 100-count size-8 listing reporting 92 sold. The checked record contains no source establishing scarcity.","market_value_basis":"SRC-3 records one $12.99 eBay 100-count size-8 listing reporting 92 sold; no date and no second sold-price source are recorded.","market_value_as_of":null,"market_sold_observations":92,"open_questions":[{"question":"Do you have a period Mustad catalog or price list that lists Quality 38933?","evidence_gap":"The checked record does not establish the model's first catalog appearance, last catalog appearance, or complete manufactured size range.","submission_prompt":"Please send clear scans or photographs of the catalog cover, date, 38933 listing, size range, and any adjacent specification table."}],"record_change_notes":null,"entry_type":"full","reference_layout_v2":true},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8320","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=8320"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8320\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15425,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8320\/revisions\/15425"}],"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\/9643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"gw_hook_concept","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garrenwood.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/gw_hook_concept?post=8320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}