Been lurking for a bit, and finally picked up my first anvil.
I came across this colonial era piece on craigslist and drove over to take a look. From what I can tell, there aren't any obvious stamps on it, it weighs exactly 100.0 pounds on my Health-o-Meter doctors scale. Face is 4.5" x 10", 9" tall, with a 5" horn. It has a definitely "tilt" to it, and the face looks to be in pretty good shape considering the age. The body is pitted and rusty. It rings like a bell, has rectangular handling holes, no pritchel and 5 feet. (hopefully the pics come through).
So, questions -- Before I take a wire wheel and some boiled linseed oil to the rust, is there any consideration of historical value or preservation that might scream "don't do it!" I'd like to see if there's any markings under the rust, my brain thinks it might have a "S" over the 5th foot, but it could be playing tricks on my after seeing similar anvils on anvilfire.com. This one does have a "tilt" to the face, probably 3-5 degrees, and looks intentionally made that way.
BTW acquired it in Bridgeville, Delaware USA.
Is it safe to use, or should I trade it for something else suitable for a beginner?