blackironskillet

Is there a way to tell the age of the anvil without having a clear stamp?

My first stand for my first anvil. I need a semi-portable anvil for now. I made this using (4) 4x4 posts and some 2x blocking. I added the 2x8 "fins" for a more stable base.... my brother says it looks like a rocket haha. I used 3/4" plywood for the top and base plate to give it a little more structure and stability. Seems to be very solid and stable. The straps holding the anvil seemed like a great idea for a newbie standing at the hardware store, but I feel like I will be forging some much more solid as one of my first projects. Thoughts and recommendations are always welcome.

I thought the hole in the table was odd too. I've haven't been able to find another PW anvil on google with the hole in the table. The hole doesn't look recent. The picture might make it hard to see but it does have an exit through the side. I would be interested to know what it was used for.

I recently purchased my first anvil! I was told that it is a Peter Wright 147# and from what I have read and seen online I believe that to be the case but I am new to all of this. The weight stamp is pretty clear and if the lighting is right you can make out about 50% of the "Solid Wrought" circle. Other than that, I don't see any other markings. The anvil seems to have great rebound and ring. Using the ball bearing method with a 10" clear tube, the rebound was 80-90%. Can anyone confirm that this is a Peter Wright and possibly an age range? I also would like to know if the hole in the table is something from the factory or added later by a previous owner. Thanks!

Hello everyone! I've been intrigued by the art of blacksmithing for a while now and finally took the plunge. I am an architect and have done wood working in the past. I really enjoy bringing creations to life. I live on the coast of North Carolina which I'm slowly finding out might be the wrong side of the state for blacksmithing haha. Nevertheless, I bought my first anvil yesterday and am truly excited. I will try to get pictures uploaded soon to see if any of you can tell me more about it. I do know that it is a 147# solid wrought in what seems to be very good condtion (85-90% rebound using a ball bearing). I was told it is a Peter Wright and from what i have seen/read online that seems to be true. The stamp has faded but there are traces of the solid wrought circle around the middle number. I think half of the fun of this is learning the history behind it. As of now I have an anvil, a pair of tongs, a brake drum off of a transfer truck, a ton of questions and even more ambition. I hope to learn the basics and then migrate into knifemaking and finding out how many things I can make out of a railroad spike. Thank you for taking time to read this and I look forward to learning the trade!