matallourgos

Does seem to be cast based on the lack of ring when striking. Although the horn does seem to ring a bit. I think I read that the Fishers had cast steel horns that were forge welded to the base just like the top? The rebound seems to be good- to my untrained hand.

Picked up the anvil today. Removed as much of the paint as I could with a knotted wire wheel on the angle grinder before the boss came out and told me to knock it off. (After 10pm here.) Unfortunately, this has revealed no further clues from what I can tell. I took some more photos, including a close-up of the only known marking on the thing- the "2" I mentioned in the first post. Hopefully my photos reveal some details that might shed some light as to maker of this anvil. One possible unique detail I noticed that might help- There is a distinct notch in the heel end of the base. I'm curious as to if this may indeed be one of the "southern" Fisher anvils as mentioned by Javan.

I'm in Augusta, Georgia. Please educate me on the geographic factors that play into anvil prices. As far as the weight goes, he did weigh it in my presence- 122lbs. I'm waiting until Friday to pick it up when I get paid.

Although if it's a Fisher it wouldn't be as old as a Mouse Hole right? Not sure if it helps with the ID, but the bottom of the base has an irregular hole. Not sure if the picture shows very well, but it has both a hardie hole and a pritchel hole as well.

Let it be done then. I'm stopping by after work and picking it up. I'll admittedly feel a bit shy at first pounding metal on something that is roughly 150yrs old. It is what it was designed to do though...

It does appear to be very similar, if not identical to the Mouse Hole anvils I've seen photos of. And thanks, CurlyGeorge, for the confirmation that this would be good for a beginner. Does an anvil covered in layers of paint still allow one to judge the steel quality based upon the ring heard? It seems like it would dampen the ring...

Hi all.. My first post here. Been lingering and learning a while and finally have an opportunity to make a local anvil purchase. This anvil is being offered to me at $75- possibly negotiable. It appears to be somewhat old based on the construction and what little I've learned so far. It weighs 120lb.'s according to the seller. It has been on his property dating back to when his current garage was a carriage house. It has many thick layers of paint, making it difficult to identify any stampings, etc. It does have a "2" low on one end at the foot. The top plate is damaged, as visible in the photo. Photos show general dimensions- the height is about 10.5in. The opposite side is in good condition, as is the remainder of the anvil. I'm curious as to the maker and possible age of this anvil, significance of damage, as well as folks thoughts on whether $75 is a fair or good price to pay for this as my first anvil. I'm just getting started in blacksmithing, so its use will be very general. I've inherited an old Buffalo forge and now I need an anvil to get started. Thanks in advance for any info or help!