The Parachute Custom Dry Fly Hook made in England
I have just posted a large article on my website www.kossiedun.com.au with reference to the correct positioning of the post on Parachute hackled flies that are tied on standard dry fly hooks. Click here for the link.
The hook featured above was one sold in America by Herters Inc. way back when. But there were others. We know that William Brush of Detroit was granted a patent for his Parachute Hook in 1934 but I only have a drawing of it.
The House of Hardy also patented their Ride-Rite Parachute flies, again in 1934.
There is also the suggestion that Alex Martin of Glasgow produced his own hooks around the same period.
I've been told that Partridge also made a Parachute hook.
So, can you help? Pictures out of books can give us an idea but a good close-up photo, as with the Herters model, tells its own story.
I would really like to complete this story and if you have any old Parachute hooks, can you please send me some, or one, so that it can be photographed. I will gladly return it or swap it for another hook from my collection.
I know that a number of you are active on the chat boards on a number of websites and if you can post a request, I would really appreciate it. You can contact me at kossiedun@gmail.com or via Comments here.
But wait, there is a second request! Mike Valla is working on another project and is desperately looking for some Mustad 93843 size 16 up-eye hooks. Can you help?
Mike can also be contacted on vallame@gmail.com or via Comments.
3 comments:
Excellent article at Kossiedun, Mick - really enjoyed the read.
Afraid I can't help out with any of the historical hook patterns (I sent Nik Dahlin most of my old Mustad, down eye patterns for his Catskill patterns) but the parachute positioning is an intersting debate. Many of the US tyers that have inspired me go for the 2/3rds post position, and I've always found this both aesthetically pleasing and stable on the drift. I've also tied at the 3/4 point with the hackle extending to the rear of the abdomen. Both approaches seem to reflect leg positioning and overall, natural proportions well. Sure, posting closer to the eye can make things a little crowded, so care is required when winding the hackle and finishing, but partnering with a split, fibbet tail makes for ultimate stability on the choppiest of riffles, and a highly imitative profile.
The halfway point looks un-natural to my eyes... but hey, this is purely subjective.
Thanks again Mick.
Best Andy
I have a para hook for you!!!!
come and check my blog on Friday morning... I would share it sooner but I have an aggrement with ayearonthefly to do a joint post on that day..
www.bigerrfish.blogspot.com
I am quite new to tying and this is a really cool concept. I have some extended body hooks but have not seen this yet. Great blog, you got a new follower
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