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Picked this up a few months ago. 66lbs, ~3/16" plate, 85% or better rebound, and very clear ring. I assumed it was a Columbian??

All that doesn't matter until you find out what the rebound is. If the rebound is good, for that price buy it and figure the rest out later. My non-expertise guess just for kicks is Arm and Hammer...

Looks like a Peter Wright, very good anvils. What's the rebound on it, and what was used to grind the face?

Yes they are both in great condition, better than 80% rebound each, sing as loud as larger anvils. Anvils do not last long for sale around here, and never see quality anvils for sale two days in a row. I got the look from the boss, but she knows it's for a good cause...

 Thanks for the video and good work! I can't wait for my boys to get a little bit older to help out like your son...

15 hours ago, njanvilman said:

I have a Fisher anvil that is also marked with just a 5 where the date usually is.  I believe these were made in the 1950's, towards the end of the Fisher production.  But before Crossley took over and made anvils until 1979.   

This anvil was probably sold as a 250 lb.  Fisher was never exact in their weights.

If you can get this anvil, it is a lifetime investment, for you, and more generations after.  It appear to be unused.

Thanks for the info! I think the plan worked, I believe he changed his mind about selling it for now. After the holidays I will have to contact him again and persuade him to sell me my first Fisher.lol

It is just amazing there is a Fisher in that nice condition out here...

Picked up my first Trenton today and my first Columbian about the same size the day before. I just received my copy of AIA last week and all of a sudden anvils popping up all over the place. Along with the Trenton for sale was a 150lb PW and 235 Fisher all in good condition.

Just curious to see if age can be determined for this 235lb Fisher I looked at today. The eagle is stamped into the body, 'FISHER' is on left side of front lug, and what looks like a 5 above the rear lug. No other markings found and the face is in great shape. Long story short, the owner might have changed his mind about selling the Fisher for now. Nothing wrong with that because after the holidays I might have another chance at getting my first Fisher...

Welcome to IFI. Not many will laugh at you, some of us figured out the blacksmith interest the same way you did. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Look up TPAAAT to help with your anvil hunt, they come in all shapes and sizes.

Are there any markings on the sides of the body or maybe the front foot? How is the rebound on it?

 Great video thanks for sharing. They just walk around way too fast, I was trying see the stuff in the background and off they were again. It's good to see somebody using some of that equipment.

What I like is how you are taking your time and researching on your own instead of wanting to go ahead and just start welding and milling and fixing every little thing. Your anvil shows use by someone who probably made a living and used the anvil for what it is, a tool. Your rebound test told you that anvil is ready for more work to be done. Since you're starting out, just use it how it is. Read up on here on how to maintain your anvil without ruining it. One of my anvils when I first got it was covered in rust scale. Did the rebound test, maybe 50%, wire cupped it got to 75% or so. As you start using the anvil more, some of the marks on the face could possibly fix themselves.

Your anvil is in good condition, just use it. That's a very good price as well, can't wait to see some of your work.

 Someone with a copy of Anvils in America can date your anvil from your serial number. The older ones had a top plate and I believe the newer ones with the tool steel top half. You could check to see if there is an A in front of your serial number.

 You don't need to buy ball bearings, just test with a hammer. Let the hammer drop on different parts of the anvil face and It should ring pretty loud and rebound nicely. If it goes thunk and no rebound it might have some hidden problems. This is just for this particular anvil, some anvils were made to go thunk but still have a good rebound.

 The number under the horn and the serial number on the left usually indicate Hay Budden. Is there a number on the heel with the horn pointing left? With the horn pointing right take a direct picture of the body or look for markings there. Can't tell from your pictures but is there a top plate or does it have a welded waist?

  Either way, do a ball bearing test to know the condition of your anvil. I have a few myself and they are around the 70-80% range.

Howdy and welcome! Plant hanger looks pretty good from here

Read up here before doing anything concerning messing with the anvil face, then read some more. Questions have been asked and answered many times on here...

58 minutes ago, Peter Bui said:

Size and weight. There was a John Brooks which was one inch longer same weight and everything but when I did the rebound test....nothing....

got a hammer and hit it softly to hear if it rings but only times I could hear the ring was near the hardy hole. 

I'm thinking of cleaning it up abit and welding the edges to fill the cracks and dents

Thanks. I was asking because I had a PW and Mouse Hole, but never got the chance to see a John Brooks. Personally, I like them and would probably snatch the first one in decent condition.

Sucks to hear about the brooks anvil you came across, but it looks like you made a great choice! When you clean her up post pics of the markings again so someone can verify for you...

Looks like a Mousehole/Hill/Foster English style anvil, just my guess.

What was wrong with the other anvils that you chose this one? Just curious

That's not a bad deal! Yeah definitely keep your eye on it, the face looks to be in great shape.

If you can check for numbers under the horn next to the handling holes also.

Did you buy it? Looks to be in good shape and with 85% rebound the brand should not matter. Either way, my vote is HB if you do find out...

My wife is from New Haven and took me to Mystic Seaport in 05 where she used to work on the wooden boats. I got the blacksmith bug hanging out and watching the blacksmith demo.

  Thanks for sharing. That Magnetic test chart is pretty interesting...

That IS awesome. I was reading your post only seeing the top half of the picture thinking what's the big deal? Then I scrolled down and saw the smokes.lol

Robert, no we left in 2010, wife and I were stationed there for awhile. Her uncle had a cabin up in Pine Valley(?) was so peaceful and laid back.

I forgot the guys name, but a guy out in El Cajon area had some kind of junker business. I would check with him for anvils and he would sell them as fast as he posted em for sale. I did get ~200lbs of chain in various sizes for $25. I just found them out in the backyard rusting away, need to do something with em...

You mean like the same information in his last post... 9 years ago???