EmeraldSun

Thanks again everyone! I coated it with some BLO and can't wait to use it!

Thanks everyone! I just gave it a decent one over with a brass wire wheel on my drill and oiled it up, I'll share an updated photo tomorrow. I don't know a lot but I do know I was lucky to get this. That's why I came here, I don't want to mess it up. I didn't realize that using it would really smooth it out!

-Russell

What about the rust that's still in the pits? Should I get at them with a wire brush on the angle grinder? Or just coat it as is?

38 minutes ago, ThomasPowers said:

Working red hot steel on the face is the best way to clean it up!

What about the deeper rust pits? Won't those be problematic?

2 minutes ago, ThomasPowers said:

Does it have a date stamp anywhere on it?  WF dated their anvils.

I saw that when looking around for info on them, I couldn't find one anywhere on it unfortunately. The makers mark and crown are pretty worn, maybe the date got lost in the rust somewhere?

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here. I'm very new to blacksmithing and am looking for some advice on fixing up this old stake anvil.

I just recently picked up this old William Foster stake anvil for $100! It was pretty rusted when I got it, I've been trying to clean it up. I soaked it in a vinegar/water solution and scrubbed away with a wire brush and a some coarse steel wool. I got most of the rust off, but now I've gotten through some of the patina down to bare metal in spots. I am hoping to keep as much patina as I can, but there is still rust in some of the deeper pits. I wanted to ask for everyone's advice on how to proceed. From what I've been able to figure out I know William Foster anvils were forged in the early to mid 1800's, and I don;t want to damage it. Which brings up my second question. The face is pretty pitted from the rust, should I sand it and make it a more usable tool again? Or should this be left alone as a collectors piece? I've attached some photos below of how it came to me, and how it's looking now.

Thanks in advance for your help!

-Russell