Prokopto

thanks for the info. I especially appreciate the 411 about the screw and the grime being a lapping compound. I'll just put it in a tub upside down and fill it with K1 for a few weeks while I heal up. Then clean it really well.

I got this post vise on ebay for $40. Its all there and closes tight but the jaws do not spring open when the handle is turned out any clues as to why. The vise is a little gummed up where the collet goes through the front jaw and a little off-center too. Any ideas if this gummy condition is enough to create this problem or if the spring is weak? I really can't so anything with it for a few more weeks as I recovering from surgery and on "light duty" until August 2nd.

Is the extra bit on the horn perhaps an upsetting block?

Thank you fellas for the advise. I am very proud to have found it and for $200 to boot. The man I bought it from is a farrier and a really neat guy. He was kind to sell this to someone just starting out in smithing. I will simply file of the rough edges and have a go at it. I can't do anything with it until August so for now it is on the floor in my office. It makes for great decor.

I'm Bill from Mechanicsville, VA and I just recently purchased a Hill anvil (163#) that I guess is fairly rare. It is in great shape for a nearly 180 year old anvil. There is about a 1/16th oo an inch swag in the face and various dings in the surface but other than that it is in quite good repair. There is a fellow here locally that has a machine shop and he could reface it I am sure but what say you guys? Will that kill the value of a rare piece? I plan to use it later in the summer. Should I just blet sand it. Does the "belly" in the face help or hurt? Just hoping to learn a little more about it.