Hi there - just picked up an old local 204-pounder, at a decent price.
Trying to identify. Clues so far:
1) Weight is in *pounds, not stone, at '204' (which means it's American, not European, correct?);
2) It has stamped markings, which means forged steel/ wrought iron, not cast, correct?
3) Extra little step/ledge around the feet (which I assume is common to a certain maker or area);
4) Extra handling hole between the feet in front;
5) Kind of a narrow V-shape between the feet - less rounded/ spread than some;
6) A number "6" stamped into the rear right-hand foot (assuming someone's Model/Number '6' anvil?);
7) We can make out an 'OL' above the '204,' which we are guessing is part of 'SOLID WROUGHT,' like you'd see on a Trenton or Hay Budden;
8) Also maybe an 'ENGLAND' above that. (So there goes my American theory?) Will try to post pics that show marks.
9) Bottom is dead flat, except for handling hole.
10) We think it may have been double-stamped. There is a fainter '204' above the main one, a fainter 'ENGLAND' above, and so on.
Also, possibly an 'RY' at the end of the maker's name, up top. And there is a hint of a ring (double ring) around the whole stamp. All of it maddeningly faint.
Best guess: we are looking at a British Peter Wright knockoff (maybe they started using pounds for weight instead of hundredweight fractions, at some point)? Not Hay or Trenton, if British, of course, maybe closer to a Sanderson or Hill, but not them?
Any thoughts/help much appreciated.
Thanks!
Rolf and Hannu in MA