101 H-B

Looks original in all respects, although crude as you've observed, some are like that. I've seen a number of them leaning forward towards the horn the same way, probably from a similar period of production. The grinding finish along the working edges is also frequently seen on later ones, so I believe it's also original.

"K L" is good quality cast steel English anvil similar to a Brooks anvils. I also have not seen history about the company, nor any indication connecting them to Brooks, but the pattern differences and consistent marking differences lend evidence that it was made and sold by a different company. I have seen 10-20 of them from 12.5 lb. to 500+ lb. all were in good to excellent condition, some with what looked like original paint, so I suspect made between 1940 - 2000. A couple 12.5 lb. ones have the Defence broad arrow cold stamped on the side. They appear to be hard and good rebound.

In the added pics the front of the working face looks sharp where it ends at the cutting table, and I agree with you, the step down to the cutting table looks shorter than it would be originally. It also looks like the anvil was sanded smooth all over. Wouldn't be surprising me if more work including welding up the edges was done, too, and when they were grinding the edges smooth they just kept going all over. Like Thomas says, do the ball bearing test to see if it's still got good rebound. Regardless, bottom line: if you're happy with it, go for it an enjoy it!

Nice robust size.. price is good if you don't think the top is soft from being reworked.. Asking $600, means maybe $550 cash will take it?

Jason, You many already know the heavier anvil in the top picture is an earlier PW with that straight forge line across the lower waist, that was normal in that time period. Being earlier, it will be a bit different shape than the one you already have. Is that a shadow across the heel creating the illusion it's shorter? The fact that the numbers are that clear suggest that it was mostly indoors, probably better kept than many, but the face edge showing does look better than you might expect for an anvil that's had enough use to work the end of the horn down like it is. The picture is not clear enough to blow up and see the edges clearly to be sure, but it does look possible the edges have been weld filled and even the face ground lower as you are concerned about. It all depends on price, but maybe you can get some better pictures from the seller, or see it in person if you haven't yet. Good luck!

Great find, congradulations! The swastika is also an ancient Indian symbol used in both Hinduism and Buddism. Being found in India, it may have Nazi era connections or not. Perhaps someone has direct historical information about the foundry origin. There are right handed and left handed versions, as well as the 45 degree position adopted by the Nazi party. Additional information is available online and here: http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols/swastika.htm

Yes, Trenton

If you go to google maps and type in "hotel near Troy, Ohio", the map will show red dots for all the hotels. Click on them for details and approx. prices. Some people stay 1 exit up I-75 at Piqua to save $. It's plenty close enough. We're splitting a room 3 ways, some places have small suites with 2 beds plus a sofa bed in 1 room for about $100. Good luck!

You can find general information on SOFA's website: http://www.sofablacksmiths.org/conference2013/2013index.htm Tailgating mostly starts setting up Thursday morning through the end of the day, more tailgaters keep arriving on through Saturday. Organizers onsite can direct you to where to set up, but anywhere along the asphalt midway and main dirt road. Some returning tailgaters like to use the same high traffic locations each year, but it's actually first come, first served where you want to set up. When you register checking the box that you will be selling, they will mail you more information. Be aware that all these events are under pressure that the sellers report sales and collect sales tax. You may want to cruise around and see what others are pricing their items to help you set your prices. Most buyers are looking for a better than average deal and prices start dropping by Saturday. Oh, and it often (usually?) rains at QS, so it helps if you have a canopy or at least something to cover your stuff if that matters. Good luck, look forward to seeing you there.

This type of wrought iron anvil w/steel plate on top was one of the standard patterns many English anvil companies offered. Yours may have been made by NASH & SONS in Stourbridge England. "J.R." that looks like this can be found low on the waist on some anvils made by them, below the name and any other markings. Other initials also appear (as if to identified the crew that made it?). It's also possible it was made by another English maker using the same method of marking, such at ATTWOOD (pic attached J.P.) also in Stourbridge. Their anvils and markings are so similar, perhaps this was the Stourbridge style, or maybe as the industry consolidated both Attwood and Nash were made in the same forging shop with different names put on them.

If you are between Fresno and Bakersfield, CA, $3/lb. and up, depends how quickly you want to sell it. Per Postman's AIA, ser# A29738 made approx. 1920 +/- a couple years. Yes, 210 lbs. Good luck with it. Nice one!

Great truly early Colonial anvil, great condition, congrats and thanks for the post. Unlikely it is a Mouse Hole, they put the weight numbers on the same side with the name, horn to the right. The stocky proportions and small horn indicate very late 1700's to early 1800's. The best I can figure, the 'top' 2 words were stamped upside down in error above WARRANTED. Looking at those words that way, the EPH is probably JOSEPH, and the longer word starts with a 'W', but the rest of it is a challenge. The only Old English or Colonial name that starts with Joseph W.., in Postman's AIA, is a JOSEPH WILINSON, which doesn't look to exactly match, nor does it look to be WILKINSON. We've seen that *asterisk on English anvils before, but I'm not aware of it being exclusive to one maker. Here it's used as a demarcation between the hundredweight numbers, as well as some purpose on the front foot. You probably figured out the pritchel was drilled by a later owner, being on the wrong side. Not a straightforward answer, but trying to help. Maybe it will lead to other clues. Good luck!

Hello, Yes your Hercules anvil in the pictures was certainly made by Hay-Budden. The stamp at the waist under the horn and ser# on the right front foot confirm it. Sorry, I do not have any other information about who or where the hardware company was that used this brand name. If I come across something I'll let you know.

Italian cast steel ca. 1950-60, seen now and then, seem to have made a fair number of them.

Wonderful, classic early colonial anvil. I don't think there's any knowing who made it, but certainly made in England. Age range, again tough, but the stocky proportions and pointed feet are before the triangular feet tips of 1800-1870, so best guess 1700's somewhere, possibly as early as 1600's. The hint of middle feet shows up now and then, some only have it on one side.

The WOO does leave room for AT---D, so it may be ATTWOOD, but under the weight stamp is different marking than any I've seen, including this size. Nonetheless, anything's possible, there are so many variations in how anvils are marked. It's made in the manner of a built up Old English anvil. Cruder than usual Attwoods, but again, no accounting for the anomalies. Enjoy it, a nice unique small traveling anvil.

Any luck finding any markings on the side facing you when the horn is to the right?

I think he was around $750, so it sold for somewhat of a discount. Good luck with your project, that's a hefty pile of 4340.

.. that's a hoot !!

Okay, let's skip to how you can put a value on it for you: - what it's worth to you / how much you can afford - how soon you want one / how long you think you'd have to wait for the next one to be for sale - a price you're okay with: 1) you won't regret you spent that much for it; and 2) if someone's willing to pay more than you, you won't regret missing the opportunity If you're looking at "NEAR MINT 258lbs Early FISHER & NORRIS Eagle Saw/Blade Makers BLACKSMITH ANVIL" in Newfield, ME, I've looked at that anvil at his place and he was stuck on a price higher than I would go, so I was surprised to see it listed with no reserve and a starting price of $9.99. Maybe it was a mistake, but now there's bids on it and looks like he's going to let the listing run it's course. This might be a chance to pick up that anvil at a lower price than normal, particularly because you can go pick it up. The freight cost eliminates a lot of other buyers. We'll know what it sold for in 3 1/2 days. Good luck, we're rooting for you.

Goodeyon, The markings and handling holes you described in the initial post are the same as some Peter Wright anvils, so that's at least a possibility. Yes, the markings 1 0 25 are English hundredweight markings and (as mentioned above) equal 137 lb. That method of weight marking is exclusive to England in my experience.

Hand brush away, you won't hurt it with a hand wire brush. A wire wheel on an angle grinder will strip it down to bare metal, I don't think you want to do that. Agree with woodsmith, try to turn it or drive it out with something close to the same diameter (don't mushroom it further). If still stuck, try some penetrating oil. If it still won't budge, drill through the center of the bolt to weaken it and give it another go. Good luck, a lot of times they just pop right out with a little encouragment.

The anvil appears to say: ___ (some first name) HADFIELD LATE HADFIELD & SANDERSON WARRANTED (or SHEFFIELD) The term LATE is seen on English anvils when the maker recently began making anvils under their own name and formerly worked at a well known anvil company. I believe the same could be if they took over the company and were transitioning to putting their own name on the anvils. I've seen Sanderson Brothers, and at least one of the type you have, there seem to be several versions as the business owners evolved, HADFIELD & SANDERSON being the most common of the bunch. In any case, you picked up an "Old English" style built up anvil, likely made in Sheffield, England, a little before 1850, where Hadfield & Sanderson were. The name on yours is fairly rare. Please post a picture if you clean it up and find more letters. Enjoy!

David, I'm using the chart in Richard Postman's book 'Anvils in America', pg. 303. He states "the approximate date within two years". If you're thinking of getting the book, PM me and I'll give you his contact information so all the proceeds from sale of the book go to the author. Cheers

I have not seen any cast anvils marked with three numbers spaced apart, such as the weight stamps on a Peter Wright anvil. Brooks and KL, English cast steel anvils, often have more than one weight marking, such as 'LBS' on one side and 'Kg' on the other side, and 'CWT'. It's not the same as 3 digit stone weight marking, but interesting that they found it useful to refer to the traditional English hundredweight system late into the 20th century.