G'day fellas I would like some advice on this anvil http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Anvil-Blacksmith-280-kilo-480LBS-VINTAGE_W0QQitemZ330396627837QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_ToolsHardwareLocks?hash=item4ced2c737d , it appears that the heel has been broken and some attachments welded on in its place. The fact that the heel is broken is not of huge consequence to me, although the welding may have affected the temper of the face if not done properly. I like the weight and the physical dimensions and face appears to be in good nick. I have messaged the guy and there appears to be no numbers or names stamped on the anvil, but it appears to be at his Mothers place and he doesn't seem to know much about it and I would guess it's a tad heavy for his Mum to check underneath for any markings. the trouble is this town is a good 7 hours from where I live, I'm willing to make a weekend of the trip and stay somewhere nice with the missus, but am I wasting my time and money bidding on it?

Cheers Ian Ross

If it is something you want bid on it, but if you have the feeling of jumping from the frying pan into the fire I would hold off and wait for another anvil. I like to go to a live auctions where you can see what your buying and the price isn't drove up so high.

I belive anvils are few and far apart in OZ. Sounds like you called for pics. Hard to say without pics
Welding heat should not have traveled far from the weld. Even if only half the face is good it would be huge.
I would probably go for it if price and travel is not a problem.
Ken

Find out if it rings! Looks like a cast steel one to me and should ring well; if it doesn't then there is a hidden problem!

Funny how the drawing with rear hardy hole and shoeing clips doesn't look like the anvil at all to a smith...

Also sounds like some swages were retrofitted to it; not a problem if there is enough good clean face left to use.

G'Day Ian ,
pity you didn't post this last week , i was in the area ( Benalla ) over the weekend & coulda hadda look at it for youse . Could ring Father inlaw & ask him if he'd go take a gander at it for you ???
PM me , but make it fast as auction ain't got long ta go

Dale Russell

Looks like a lot of anvil for the money, and I think you could fix the heel and have a mega-anvil for a few hundred.

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated, I might put in a bid but not till the last minute, it's gone up $100 just today
Cheers Ian