ToMang07

These were the only other markings I could find

Seems to be in very good shape, not sure on the age though. Weighted 145lbs. Pretty happy, finally found a good one!

I have, but the closest shop I have found so far that sells them is 5ish hours away, and shipping is expensive as all xxxx from what I've seen. If I go that route, I'll have to save up some more and probably make a road trip out of it.

Funny you say that.... my #2 local choice is a JHM 125lb, but I was worried it was too small. Well if I'm "stuck on a pattern" then It's all I've ever seen. Every single anvil I have ever seen has some sort of rectangle working face and a horn or heel on it. Some have shelves, holes, etc, some don't. But as far as that specific shape.... new or used, never seen anything else. But again, shopping what's available and trying to make an informed decision.

160 Pounds according to the seller, looks about right but again, based off pictures. Personally....I try not to buy anything made in China.

Haven't had a chance to ring it yet, truthfully the only concerns I have are size (big enough?) and the swayback on it. I've read mixed conclusions whether it's a problem or not, some claim any will make crafting blades difficult, some claim they prefer it. Far as value, most articles I read were 5-10 years old and were pretty consistent in the $3-5/lb range. So finding the majority in the $6-9/lb range was a bit of a shock, and I've seen some in VERY rough shape, no hardy hole, etc over $10/lb... so that's why I'm here. As far as local support, I tried contacting a local Smith/guild, but haven't gotten any responses as of this posting. I'm not stuck on any pattern. I'm shopping what's available in my area, because I won't buy anything used if I can't see it first. And I know shipping one would be insanely expensive. But I'm looking for an anvil, not an anvil substitute. What I'm looking for is a good face with a pritchet hole and a hardy hole, a shelf for cutting/punching, and a horn for shaping. Beyond that.... it's all Chinese to me. That said.... I'm a big guy known to be aggressive when working... so I figure trying to get as close to 200lbs as I can. Space/ weight isn't a factor, I have a large garage.

I've filled in my location info. Outside of that.... sure, I could use a rock to forge on. But I'm not asking for alternative anvils, I'm looking at a specific anvil; it's condition and value.

Looking at purchasing my first Anvil, and I'm truthfully blown away at the cost of them. I'm looking to start out Blacksmithing, with a focus on blades, although not exclusively. This Anvil seems to be the best in my area, but I'm not entirely sure on condition or value. I appreciate the input!