RuckSack

This anvil screams when struck. Hammer rebound is great. Can't get over the sound it makes. I'll definitely have to pull some serious moves to quiet it down some. I've attached some pictures of the horn damage after I cleaned her up a bit with a wire wheel. Still having trouble uploading pictures, but I'll throw up some before and after cleanup shots soon. For now, here's just a few from the day before and during cleanup.

Success! Getting her cleaned up now. I dunno why but it's a "she" to me. There is a bit of a gash on the underside of the horn. I don't consider it a deal breaker. Having trouble uploading photos from my phone. Will try again this evening from my computer.

The final countdown. After numerous failed attempts to meet with the seller, I waited for him to get back to me. Finally hopes of meeting have been hammered out for 11 am tomorrow. @ThomasPowers your anvil hunting exploits and reputation precede you! I've been a lurker here a while and appreciate your input and advice tremendously. I have a tentative plan to subdue the anvil noise once TPAAAT has been applied, but all thoughts on the subject are appreciated!

We finally settled on 6 pm tomorrow so hopefully all goes well and I'll have some good updates soon for you all.

Well, after making tentative plans to meet this afternoon, I haven't heard back. Hoping for a treat and not a trick. Fingers crossed to hear back and go get it sometime this week.

Yep, you are right. He just sent this picture along... EDIT: It certainly seems to be unanimous. I will rebound test this baby with my tiny ball peen and if all goes well I'll get her home this evening. I'd like to personally say thank you to both of you fine gentleman for your insight, expertise, and helpful information. I'm assuming that $350 is a fair price for this Kohlswa?

I'm set to take a look at them this afternoon. I'll probably have to make my decision at that time. The nice fellow has agreed to meet me halfway on the drive and is bringing both anvils. I wish I had more pictures. @Black Frog What should I look for that would point me to identifying it as Swedish? If you don't mind me asking. I'll also use my google-fu and ask the seller if he has any more pictures. Ok, Seller replied with the following:

Thanks for all the great input to everyone who has commented so far. I was worried about the nicks and dings on #2, (the heavier anvil), but it's great to hear they won't be too much of an issue. However, I think I'm leaning toward #1 just to save a little cash. I do agree that I'll have to check the ring and rebound before I can truly say which one I'll end up with. I'll be looking at them soon and will post up what I find.

I've been using a large rail track chained to a big stump while also searching for an anvil. I found a local seller who has two options that I find intriguing and I just wanted a little advice before I take the plunge. Anvil #1 is 100 lbs, thought to be a Peter Wright or German Trenton? Asking price is $350. The second anvil is 170 lbs, unknown make, asking price is $575. The pictures below are Anvil #1 followed by Anvil #2. They're an hour drive away and I've yet to see them in person. I plan to do a bounce test with a light ball peen and check everything for cracks or dead spots. Barring any major issues, I'm curious which would be a better choice for general forging, as in which one would you choose? I am a bit turned off by the gouges and dents in Anvil #2 along with the price difference between them considering the dings and such. I'm just not sure if this is enough to warrant going with the smaller anvil. I'll probably buy a brand new striking anvil in the future, but this will be my main anvil for now. Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions? Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.