G George

Big Gun , I think you are a very lucky person, Mr. fluer de lis I would love learning from you, PM me and we can get together. Mr. frosty, you are a true gentleman! Thanks to all, from a newb. You should see the anvil I have being shipped in! I can not wait. G George

I am sorry Mr. Fleur de lis; I thought you meant I was pricing it here, yes I posted on craigslist, they are 1000.00 on Fleabay, figured someone might give half of that, it is a rare item, ie; not many seen or sold. To the rest of you I am new here as in posting, I have lurked for quite some time, and learned a lot without posting. I am not leaving, I do know about the tailgating forum, this is not it so I would not post it for sale here, I would there. I would very much like to see someone buy any vise for 10.00 an inch! My 4 inch from a BAM member cost me $150.00 & its been repaired. With this Forged in Fire show even the fellow that filled my propane bottle said " I am thinking of buying a gas forge and trying to make some knives, does not seem to be much to it" and I steered him toward an anvil site where he would not get ripped off. My point is everyone seems to think just because some guys on TV can whip out some blades in 4 hours anyone can, Ha Ha With so many replies sometimes I get confused, so to all my most sincere apologies! G George

Mr. Fluer de lis; I have not quoted an asking price on a forum that does not allow that, I was just gathering information. I know better than to try to sell on a forum that does not allow that, I am sorry you must be confused. People today read so fast that the content gets scrambled, no harm, no foul. Have a nice day all, and thank you for your valuable input!

they meet flat on both holes, I thought the 2 holes were to work different sizes of metal, but being a newb, I do not know. Any idea what its worth? I have a guy that says he will make me the missing pieces. Fixed what would it bring, like it is what would it bring? I have no clue as most vises are 4", and pricey. Thank You Sir for your advice! G George

The foot, or pivot point with the 2 holes, then with bolt in outer hole, then in inner hole. The holes are not wallered out, 3/4" bolt was same size as original bolt. And should I take a wire wheel on my angle grinder to it and follow with oil?? Thanks, G George

So take it apart and take a pic of the pivot point?

I bought this 7 & 1/2" vise, it was frozen at the pivot point. I used a car jack to spread the vise open as I was trying to remove the bolt. Little did I know the bolt was broken and broke again as I spread the arms open. When I got it apart there were 2 holes in the pivot foot, and the bolt that was broken had to be persuaded to get out with a big hammer and punch. So I bought a grade 8 bolt 3/4" x 5" , my problem is I did not get the spring, u-bolt and mounting bracket, and need an original bolt. I want to sell this vise and wondered if I should fix it, or sell as is. I have a small smithy and do not need a tool of this size. any idea of what it's value is. Thanks for you input, G George

Thanks to all!! The fellow I bought it from I have known for 25 years, his dad got this from the RR so I believe him, but you are right with no provenance, it is just a story, albeit true. After all the input I am just going to go after it with a nylon brush, some simple green, and then the Ballistol , I thank you all for the valuable input. I am going to join BAM , Blacksmith Association of Missouri and start going to some of their clinics, anvil repair is one I would like to attend to get the little torch cut on the heel repaired, but that is down the road. My end goal is to leave it to the next user in as good or better condition than I found it in. G George

Thank You, I have not messed with weapons since my army days and that was a looong time ago.. G George

Sir's; Yes I know not to try to repair, weld, and or grind it, but thank you for a reminder! Where to find Ballistol, is it an oil? autoparts, lumberyard, online?? I will do a search unless you fellows know a good source. I am going to use this, but not abuse it, I would like to retain it's value as a collectable. I do have the screw and screwbox for the vise, that thing weighs like 170 lbs. Missing are the spring and mount. Figured on making the mount and trying to find a buggy seat spring for the missing spring( I live next to a Mennonite community) so a seat spring should be a common find. I wanted to buy a new anvil as everyone thinks they have a chunk of Gold, or the sentimental attachment( grandpa used this for most his life) . Any idea what the anvil is worth alone? Is that a low serial #, being a RR anvil would that bring the RR guys into the market?? What do you think the swage is woth, 4" thick 15"x15" before being broken. I would like to know as I am insuring the tools I just got in my homeowners policy. I also scored a champion cast forge with blower and hood, 3' x 4', 4" vise, Gas forge, so I am about ready to have some fun. Gentlemen I thank you for your advise and it is well received!!

I just bought an anvil, (Hay Budden 130 lb), a swage block that has the corner missing, and 2 buckets of tools, 1 hammers, 1 tongs and a 3rd bucket 1/4 full of hardy tools. My question is should I clean the anvil?? The fellow I bought it from took a twisted wire wheel to the swage block, and I showed up in time to stop him from doing the same to the anvil. The anvil was brought here from Forsyth Montana, and was an anvil at Burlington northern railroad, the anvils # is A25928, and it has a 091 on the side at the heel. a member told me it was from 1920 but what does the A stand for?? I would like to keep as much history as I can with this anvil. I am not a collector, but I think I got a pretty good deal for what I got. Pics to follow....G George The vise is a 7.5" that I picked up separately, and am in the process of loosening it up enough to get the lower bolt out, and get it working free, the probably sell it. Should it be left rusty or should I paint it??

DB; Thanks! G George

I just got a 130 pound hay budden anvil from a fellow, was wondering if one of you would tell me the year it was made, I cannot afford to buy Mr. Postman's book to use once. I do know it was made in New York, the serial # A25928 I was told it was from a rail road that had closed shop and sold the shop tools. Thanks for any information. G George

I have only received the pictures, will view it tomorrow. That is why I am asking questions, just found out about it yesterday. G George

I have the opportunity to buy this anvil, William Foster 1844 weight around 110 lbs, has a funny little shelf about half way up the side. I have no experience, and do not know if this is something worth using or should it not be used. I am mainly interested in Knife making, and am wanting to save for a smithing anvil, is this a waste of time and money?? The fellow says it has good rebound, and ring. Any help is appreciated. G George