njanvilman

No one has ever accused me of under building my display areas.  I do worry about the axles of some of the carts, not the framework.

....and earthquakes...

The largest and smallest actual blacksmithing anvils F&N made.  Top is the 0 size, at various times either 8 or 10 lb.  It is sitting on an 800 lb. anvil, the largest made.  For a while they did have a 1000 lb anvil in their catalog, but none have ever been found and no records exist that any were ever made.

Sorry for the late response to this thread....the broken support tooth between the jaws was a common problem with Fisher vises.  It is from a design flaw in the design of the pattern.  Fisher finally eliminated this problem by removing the tooth altogether from the patterns, and just let the screws support everything.

If you have not done any repair yet, I would just leave it alone and use the vise as is.

Just found this post, two weeks late.  Yes, it looks like 1905 birth date.  BTW, the dating was done for their one year warranty on the anvil.

No cleanup aside from wire brushing the rust.  Then apply any light oil to keep it from oxidizing again.  Hammer away.  Do not grind the face.  Just use it!  A nice smooth area will soon appear.

If you want to learn the history of Fisher & Norris, please consider my book on the history of the company plus lots more.  Only available at shop.fishernorris.com.  Thanks.

That style of anvil was made by Fisher around 1920.  They called them Insonora, which means quiet in Spanish.   There are 4 sizes of these in the Fisher Museum.

Added another classic Fisher to the Fisher & Norris Factory Museum today.  50 lb, made in 1927.  Almost perfect, with some of the factory paint left.  Also, in the second photo, you can see where the original oval label was.  The one would have had a black and white label, not the orange/black one.  It is getting harder to find Fisher anvils in this condition.  Grab them when the opportunity strikes.

On the left, nice #5, 50 lb early F&N anvil added to the heard.  This style without the cutting table was made in the 1850s only.  They have a very nice surface finish.  Many of the early Fisher anvils had a surface finish that was rarely duplicated in later anvils.  This anvil is almost perfect; there is just some minor chipping on the edge near the hardy hole.  The Fisher anvil on the right is a unique piece with the bold eagle logo and USA under it.   For more information, please consider my book available at fishernorris.com.

Do not worry about what it looks like under the horn.  Fisher anvils are cast upside down.  It looks like some slag floated to the top and stayed there while cooling.  It will not affect the anvil.

The indestructible paint has appeared on a few of my anvils.  I have soaked for over a month in Simple Green, and the paint is mostly laughing at it.   If some remains, so what.

The face of the anvil looks OK as a good user anvil.  It will give you years of service.

The serial number located on the front right base is used to date Trenton anvils.  They made lots of different weights.

Nice anvil.   Do NOT grind the torch marks.  They will not be in the way of any work you will do.

If you have any specific questions about the anvil, I will try to answer them.  So far you have gotten good advise.  Remove the paint, wire wheel it, then let's see what you have.  Do not get too aggressive with a grinder or sanding disc.  Slight casting flaws under the horn and heel are of no concern.

Eventually if you want to learn about the history of the company, look up fishernorris.com to get the link to my new book.

New addition to the Fisher & Norris Museum:  50 lb Fisher, no markings, made in the late 40s/early 50s.  This anvil has never been used.  Note the factory grind marks on the face.  Learn all about why this was not marked in my book on the History of Fisher & Norris.  Scroll up to find the link for ordering.

Rare Fisher item from the Museum.  3" square stake made by F&N with the original wooden pattern.  This was made sometime in the 1860s/1870s.   Remember my book is available.

Fishers are great anvils.  When you find a good one, it will be a lifetime anvil, and beyond for many generations.

If you love your Fisher anvil, you will love to read the story of the company that produced them.

Link to find and buy my book:  shop.fishernorris.com.

10 hours ago, Farmall said:

Just ordered mine.  Can't wait to read it.

I have 3 fisher anvils-80,90, and a big jump  to 450.  Love 'em all.

Your order will go out this morning.  Spread the word.  Thanks.

On 6/16/2020 at 4:03 PM, Stash said:

My copy came in the mail today. Looks great. I'm looking forward to some quality time with it. Thanks.

Thanks.  You will enjoy the book.

13 hours ago, jlpservicesinc said:

it just occurred to me, the anvils are stacked up and they all match so the feet fall in the middle of the face of the anvil below it. 

Were all anvils made this weigh for a given weight?  Or was it because Fisher could cast accurately enough to get good measurements?  I know the few Hay Budden anvils I have seen in the same weight class are not that accurate. 

I think what you are getting at is the heart of the difference between cast anvils made off of a pattern, and forged anvils that were essentially handmade by the hammermen.  I am impressed by the consistency of the product the forged anvil maker produced.  I can spot a HB anvil from 100 feet away!

My book, "The History of Fisher & Norris, Eagle Anvil Works" is now available to purchase. Click here.

Books and other posters and merchandise are available.  This book is the culmination of over twenty years of research that started when Richard Postman published "Anvils in America" in 1998.  The whole story of how all of this happened, the history of the company, people, products, technology and many anecdotes is included.   376 pages, full color, cloth bound hard cover, dust jacket.   Includes photos and images all all of the significant people involved in the business over almost 165 years.  I thank all that have an interest in the full, correct story of this great American company.

Printer promised deliver tomorrow, May 12.  I am waiting conformation right now.

On 12/8/2012 at 8:45 PM, njanvilman said:

No publisher yet.  I figure I have got to get the manuscript mostly done before I get to that step.  Crazy thing is that I have got to set a deadline sometime.  Interesting Fisher stuff is still out there.  Just like Postman found out as soon as his book was printed, more information will continue to appear.

I read this old thread about Anvil Collections and came across this.  I don't even remember writing it.  The answer is:  Yes, my book is done, and I am expecting delivery this week.  I self published.  I set my self a deadline to have it ready for ABANA 2020.  That forced me to finish.   I will post information about availability as soon as I physically have the books.

In the 10 years since this thread was started, the "Fisher & Norris Factory Museum" collection has about doubled in scope.  As I predicted in 2010, I found tons more information about Fisher History and artifacts.  I think everyone who reads the book will enjoy the information I present.

4 hours ago, Mitchellm543 said:

Hi,

Just got my first Hay Budden anvil. Serial number is 174344. Could anyone who owns the book or knows possibly tell me how old this thing is?

 Thanks!

According to Anvils in America, made approx 1910.

On 4/26/2020 at 3:29 PM, Saundra said:

Purchased a 200# Fisher Norris that has an E on it. No other info except eagle on the side.

If you post photos and dimensions, I will try to help you.  Also, check out "Fisher & Norris Factory Museum".

Proof copy of my upcoming book on the history of Fisher & Norris.  Available soon.  Waiting for the world to settle down to get it printed.

Taking advantage of extra time home to clean up from my book work and set up a new display of interesting mostly Fisher items in the Museum.

It is a Trenton Brand anvil, made in Ohio.   150 lb.   According to AIA, made approx. 1913.

You have an early Fisher & Norris anvil.  Straight horn.  It was probably made in the late 1850s/early 1860s in Trenton, NJ.   

Do not attempt to repair it.  Fixing F&N anvils is almost impossible.  Enjoy it for what it is.  Consider what it has done in it 160 years.