kludgemechanic

10 hours ago, Black Frog said:

Can you please take a larger resolution closeup of the logo stamp?  I'd like to add this to the database, and it may contain some unique features I'd like to look at closer.  Thanks!

 

Here are some hopefully higher resolution photos. They are the best my Iphone would take,

4 hours ago, ChrisPTF said:

In (AIA) on pages 338 and 339 they said often the Anvil maker would put the first initial of his last name to the left of the weight on the front of the foot. There was an anvil maker at Columbus Forge and Iron by the name of Charles Zulty and that might be where the Z came from. Very interesting.

Thats pretty cool. Thanks for the info!

12 hours ago, Tubalcain2 said:

damascus katanas. haha not. try some s-hooks, fire pokers, toasting forks, and keychains.

Damascus Katanas!!!! Say what...... lol... Ill try some S-hooks next... Thanks

8 hours ago, ThomasPowers said:

Making a lot of a simple item can help the learning curve.  How about a dozen simple S hooks, then some more complex ones, then a stack of bottle openers and one you get the opener part down pat see how many variations on handles you can do making several of each type, (basically keep making them to you feel pretty happy with that design.)

There are projects in "Backyard Blacksmithing" and over at the iforge at anvilfire.  I tend to do better when I make something I want to make than just a random project.  (I also have books of historic pieces and I have been known to flip through them until I see something and say "I gotta make one of those!")

This sounds like some solid advise. Thanks.

8 hours ago, Black Frog said:

There is no link.  I've been putting this information together for some time, it is a very slow process.

Are you going to eventually post all of the data and photos on here? Maybe I can help.

53 minutes ago, Black Frog said:

Can you please take a larger resolution closeup of the logo stamp?  I'd like to add this to the database, and it may contain some unique features I'd like to look at closer.  Thanks!

 

No problem. I'll take some tonight and post them. Do you mind to post the link to the database?

Thanks for the in info guys. I made my first piece on it the other day. It was a twisted bottle opener from a rail road spike. I got it to hot in the fire and its far from perfect. I learned a lot. I think the next one will look much better. Any suggestions on what I should make next to teach myself some basic skills?

I have been told that this anvil is more than likely a Trenton Anvil sold by The Bostwick & Braun Company in Toledo, Ohio which was (and is) a large hardware supply house. The stamps on the anvil look like "Z 12" on the left and "A23812" on the right.