Haasum

It will be very difficult for anyone to help ID your anvil without pictures, unless you can give very detailed accounts of all of it's features.

I don't know how to do pictures or I would try to help with that.

It would be hard for anyone to be able to say without pictures, if you can post some pictures of it people might be able to help you more.

Leave it as it is. Most people when they buy a new anvil, will round the edges off on purpose anyway. You will likely find use for the rounded edge and will learn to like that it is there, the way it is.

Glad he didn't burn down with the fires. That would be a shame to lose all that equipment.

Gorgeous.

How did you get such intricate detail on the guard and, for lack of knowlege of a better term, the butt?

You could fold it, but I think what you're describing is referred to as "Upsetting." Where you fatten the end of the stock. Not sure how much you want to upset it or how well it works beyond just the end of the stock though. I don't have any tools to try it.

"Upset: The process of driving metal back onto itself to create a bulge or increase the mass. When upsetting metal for the latch cusps it becomes thicker and wider while becoming shorter from the hammer blows."
from: Blacksmithing -- Tools of the Trade

Like most things there are a lot of factors to consider. How many shoeing opportunities are in your area? How many other farriers are in the same area to take business from you? How much do you charge? How smart of a business man are you? Things like that.

It's hard for other people to give you an approximation because it can vary quite a bit. If you're really curious, find a farrier in your area, and ask them.

My concern is that the arrangement looks a bit top-heavy and potentially unstable, due to the small base.

Can you drive up there and pick it up yourself? Figure out how far it is and how much gas it would take, see how much it would cost you to just pick it up yourself. $230 for a 200 pound anvil is a good deal from what I have seen.

Hey everyone!

I'm a hopeful future blacksmith, mostly for hobby. I don't have any equipment yet as money is still currently an issue, being unemployed and all. So in the mean time I am reading as much as I can about the craft and trying to learn everything I can.

I am currently located in Lancaster, California, about an hour north of LA for those who don't know where that is.

I look forward to joining the ranks of you fine craftsmen!