thebigron

Here is a picture of the top of the anvil.

Gentlemen, I have been a lurker/looker for a couple of years, but I now need to ask my first questions so I'm a new member now. Nice forum and web site you all have here. It's always nice to check in with forums like this as one can learn so much from this type of format. I have kept up membership on machinist forums for years as I do like to work with metal, or "play" as my wife says. I am glad to find this one a few years back. I have just taken possession of my great grandfathers anvil and have a few questions about it that some of you will for sure be able to help me out on. It is an Attwood, weighing in at 92.5 pounds. The numbers on one side are 0 3 11. The "ones" in the 11 are upside down, and I don't know if that means anything or not. If I have done my math correct those numbers mean 3 times 28 plus 11 which equals 95 lbs. and it is within the 10% that is supposed to be. I wonder if the "J.P" stamped below "Attwood" and "Warranted" has any meaning also. My great-grandfather died in 1912 so I will assume that it predates then for sure. He started his blacksmith shop at his home around 1900 after working 10-15 years for a town blacksmith working on whatever came along. I assume that it would date around 1900 and wonder if there is any way to date that particular anvil? I am also curious of its approximate value, however that would be one of the last possessions that I would be willing to sell; and finally looking at pictures on this and other websites makes me wonder how you all keep them looking shiny. Is it a clear coat, oil, or just everyday use? Thank you for any and all help, and wish me luck as I now attempt to send a couple of pictures to accompany this post.