J_B

Thanks for the advice on hardies--I have a bench vise that may or may not be mounted sturdily enough for hammering, but I do have access to a welder so I could make a portable hole (thanks for the photos DSW!). The seller sent me a couple photos showing the bottom of the anvil, though I think I'm leaning toward finding some scrap to start with while I conduct a more patient search. Do they help narrow down the manufacturer?

Thank you everyone for your replies! Good to know that sway is not as big a deal as I thought. I've read other threads recommending scrap steel for a starter anvil, but was wondering what would be done for a hardy (an additional piece of round scrap could substitute for a horn I think)? The savings would definitely be nice, I may check with some local places to see if they would be willing to sell some tool steel scrap for a good price. I guess I could use the ball-drop test to check rebound to verify whether the scrap is suitable for forging on? I will ask the seller if he has a photo of the bottom of the anvil and if he knows the actual weight to help narrow down the ID.

Hi everyone! My brother and I are just getting started in blacksmithing and bladesmithing, and we're in the process of looking for our first anvil. After initial searching of Craigslist and several local flea markets didn't turn up any good leads, I got impatient and almost decided to go with a new TFS 100 lb double-horn, but then I checked CL again and found an ad for an 188 lb "AMERICAN brand, or Swedish" anvil. The seller is asking $625 for the anvil which works out to $3.3 / lb. I asked him to send me some additional photos, which he did, and these are attached. The ID markings aren't really possible to make out, but I can see the "1 8 8" stamped on the side. In his email to me, the seller said There are no clear markings on the anvil that prove it is an "American" anvil, but based on process of elimination, characteristics, descriptions in the book "Anvils in America", and having sold about 130-140 anvils the past 6 years . . . it is the best guess I have for now. Thanks! If it is indeed an "American" anvil, I presume this refers to "American Wrought" anvils which appear to be along the lines of Fishers in terms of construction, and thus would be a solid choice. I asked him over the phone about the rebound and he said it was "really good", but I plan to test it with a steel ball if I decide to go inspect the anvil in person. His photos show there are some dings on the face and on the top of the horn, but my biggest concern is what appears to be a significant dip in the face, primarily over the base of the anvil. I guess my question is, would this degree of dip in the face, along with the dings present, be a reason to pass on this anvil and look elsewhere? I would like to finish by saying "Thank you!" to everyone on IFI for the huge wealth of information you've all shared here--I've learned a ton about anvils in general and what to look for in a used one by reading this forum.