Kid B

BartW

Thanks for this information! very helpful. I have hit the crack with a hammer. Lightly at first then progressively harder. Even with my hardest hit there was no sign of give at all. I think you are right it's just a little fold.

I wouldn't say it was a smoking deal, but yes, I am happy with it given that it's a useful tool and has a possible historical value. It weighs around 250 lbs. I will try to get an official weight soon, though I'm not sure how I'll pull that off just yet.

A little about the deal. Two years ago I bought a 278 lb Trenton in good shape from a guy for $340. A few weeks ago I purchased a nice big Wilton C2 vise from another guy for dirt cheap. While I was there, he showed me a French anvil he was thinking about selling. I knew the only way I could get the French one is if I sold the Trenton, so that's what I did. It was a difficult choice because I loved that Trenton, but the rarity of the French anvil made it cooler and possibly more valuable than the Trenton. I sold the Trenton for $1,400 and that's what I paid for this French anvil. So essentially, I got this French one for $340 (with the stand). Here's a pic of the Trenton and the French one for comparison. 

What do you guys think of the deal? Would you have kept the Trenton or gone with the French one? (French one is in a bit better shape.)

I just picked it up this morning. Overall it is in fantastic shape. Excellent rebound and very little damage from use over the years. I’ll attach some pics below. I’ll include a pic of what looks like the worst part of it along with a close up of the lettering. Also, looks like there’s a small crack in the casting on the underside but it only appears to be on the surface. If anyone can shed some light onto what the markings might mean I would much appreciate it. 

BartW thanks for this information! Very helpful. I’m going to research that brand to see if I can find anything about their lathes.

One question for you and/or Frosty. Does the fact that it came here from Europe make it somehow more likely that it could’ve been in a fire? 

Frosty  thanks very much. I just updated the profile to show my location. I haven’t done a rebound test yet. I will do that when I go get it on Thursday. I only have a mild steel ball bearing so I don’t think that will work. Might just bring a hammer.

Thanks very much! I am from the Dallas, Texas, area. Very excited to put this anvil to work once I get it latergg this week. Looking forward to hearing from some European Anvil aficionados

Hey guys,

Long time reader, first time poster. I have worked out a deal to purchase this French anvil. I'm trying to learn more about it, however all my Google searches have come up empty. Does anyone know anything about the history of this particular anvil/maker? It appears to be cast steel, but that's the only thing I can figure out.

Thanks!