wreckster

Many thanks for the trained eyes njanvilman.

Thanks all. I’ve learned more about anvils in the last few hours than I’ve ever known. For sure a Hay Budden and the dimensions match the 250# model from their catalog. The rebound is definitely in the 75% range and boy will she ring. I have it setting unconstrained on a poplar stump in my garage, Not really where or how it should be I guess. Suggestions welcomed. Unfortunately, it does have a few weld beads on the face from obvious equipment repairs while on the farm. I will give it a good wire brushing, and coat it with some oil. The tip of the horn had some cracked, “mushroomed” metal from blunt ended abuse that I gently removed with a file. I’m sure thats probably not proper but I didn’t want it chipping off in use. Here’s a few photos of the number. I tried to cast shadows with a light. The first number might be a “7” which puts it in the 1902 +/- range. Anyone see something different?

This anvil has been in the family for about 50 years and stories about its previous ownership go back another 20-30 years. I know nothing about it other than it was used as a general shop/farm anvil to hammer implements, weld, etc. It's been pretty well used and abused judging from all the marks. I tried to get a decent photo of the markings using a light but there's little to go on. I figured someone here might recognize bits and pieces so any help is much appreciated. The bottom arced words could be "Brooklyn NY" but that's a wild guess. The approximate dimensions as I see them: overall length - 32" height - 12" width - 4.75" base: 11"w x 12"L. Don't have a clue on the weight but my brother-in-law and me picked it up and we guesstimated about ~250-300lbs. I will definitely do some research on this site. I'd like to know more about ring characteristics.

Joining to learn a little about iron and also about a recently acquired anvil. Grew up on a farm, spent time in fab/weld shop that built farm machinery, and ssthought one day I might like to take up 'smithing. I've always wanted to visit the Blacksmith festival up in NC but haven't made it yet.