JamesL

Still searching, and stumbled across this anvil on this site http://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/3089-wwii-anvil/ . Stamped with a date like mine (same font), the position of the '14' under the date to the right is in the same spot as the '10' (1.1.10) on mine, and the bottom of the '1' stamp on the '14' in the hundredweight has the same little hook on the bottom as the '1' on the '10' on mine. I can't see if it has a handling hole on the front. But this lends more weight to it being a WW2 anvil, and I guess the steel quality was 'very' variable based on the available materials during the war years. It would be interesting to research what the Brooks (and similar) foundries did during the war years. I reckon every business that could help in the war effort did. I have popped a message to the original poster to let them know - and see if they have collected any more info.

That is a good lead. JB (and I also found KL) cast English anvils seem to have lots similarities that is for sure (and these seem to have much less attention paid to casting finish). I am in Australia, so both English and American anvils made there way here. The 1940's date stamp and lack of markings could well suggest it is a MOD issue (and potentially a emergency issue as you suggest). The branded cast JB's I have seen so far have a smidge thicker heel, but most other things and the way the front and back of the waist meets the foot without a little ledge at the foot is very similar. I am guessing foundries would have had particular molds for the MOD to remove the the brands etc, and the steel shortage in the 1940's could also be a factor contributing to minor differences in thickness (and its lack lustre) etc. I am trying to find a picture of a JB or KL with handling holes (and maybe even a single front handling hole like mine) Did any casted JB's have CWT stamps like mine (e.g. 1.1.10), or did they all have raised casted fraction based CWT markings (e.g. 1 1/2 CWT)?

Agree .. it is in great condition, has a nice hard face, has served me well, and I am very happy with it ... but it just seems to always ring out to me to explore its history ;) The stamp does appear to be 1940; however it is stamped at an angle. It is for this reason I am unsure whether it is actually a manufacturer stamp or has been stamped with this later in its life? Good to see more cast anvils have handling holes as well! It seems it was a bit more common.

That is interesting - I agree it is an odd anvil. I have seen other cast anvils with handling holes like the older paragon soderfors (see paragon photos and markings below) I realise that the handling holes seem odd to put on a cast anvil (based on the more difficult cast like you say), but could this have been for later heat treatment of the face? The anvil face is very hard on this anvil and tends to chip at edges rather than dent. Basically there are no dents to talk about on the face at all - only on the cutting table, horn and below. This difference in hardness may suggest some sort of heat treatment on the face post the casting? The casting seam marks on the soderfors are the most similar I can find - though it is a much much more refined anvil than mine is (even the rear heel cast seam of the soderfors bears some resemblance). Also they stamped the sides of these anvils. From a style perspective it has similar lines and heel to body design to that of a a kohlswa, i have provided a side-by-side comparison photo with a (slightly smaller) kohlswa B, again a swedish cast anvil. Also the kohlswa seems to develop similar face chipping on the very edge of the face like mine has (which may indicate similar steel and tempering characteristics). The weight stamp 1.1.10 on mine is consistent with its weight. My guess is maybe a Swedish foundry making cheaper soderfor / kohlswa 'like' anvils for the english market around the 1920s - 1930s?? I am unsure how to go about getting a more precise identification other than posting and hoping for someone to see it with some historical knowledge of swedish cast anvil makers of this period. Maybe the flattened marking on the side of the body may be a clue? Next step I guess is 'Anvils in America by Richard Postman' .. if I can find a copy....

I have this anvil, and suspect it is made from swedish cast steel ... but it seems to have english hundredweight marks (which may be a contradiction?). It has a very hard face (10inch drop, 9 inch rebound). Unsure if it has an emblem on the side that has been flattened from someone upsetting on it? Any ideas of the anvil maker? Many thanks in advance!