I saw this anvil a while ago on craigslist, for $300. They have dropped the price and it says they are taking offers. What do others think of this anvil? should i go make an offer?
http://burlington.craigslist.org/atq/1611574377.html

The price seems fair as is but always make an offer. I would buy it. Good Luck :)

Hard to tell without looking closely, testing the rebound etc. Just from the pictures though, I'd guess it might be a pretty nice buy for $200 or so... especially if they include the hardy tool shown. FYI Dudley was apparently the city where these anvils were made. Peter Wrights were also made there, so the area may have had many craftsmen and shops that were familiar with the anvil making trade. It is likely that that anvil is somewhere around 150 to 180 years old and it looks like it has survived in pretty decent condition. It might possibly last a few more years in your shop.

AIA lists Wilkinson as the buyer of Peter wright pg 127.
Ken

What is that, about a $1.50/#? That's not too bad but make an offer and then negotiate from there, just don't get the guy P.O.ed and if you end up paying the $250 you'll still be OK. Just check it out for the usual cracks, rebound and such. Make sure is rings instead of goes "thwack" or "thunk" like a cracked anvil will. Good luck in getting it.

Hi Evan! I'm a blacksmith in Vermont as well, for around here that's about an average price for an anvil of that weight if it's go no major defects i.e. cracks, missing parts, delamination of the face, etc. There's only about 1 every 2 months on our craigslist, so factor that into your decision. Do you know about the hammer-in at Lucian Avery's shop next weekend? PM me if you need details.

Judson, That's a very nice job the guys did on that cafe table. You ought to make a seperate post about that, show off their work. B)

thanks for the replies everyone, i emailed about going to take a look at it this weekend.

It looks pretty similar to the one I have- unknown maker and I'm guessing 1845 (mine). The edges are rough and need to be re ground, The tail end is a bit rough. The anvil has a dish. You can't really grind a dish out unless you mill it and make the face quite a bit thinner. Mine has a dish but I live with it and use it for straightening it. Look up the system for figuring weight of anvils in hundred weight and you can read the numbers on the anvil and tell how heavy it is. When grinding- always keep the face cool so that heat does not build up and you lose the temper- I used a 7 inch grinder. The horn is not really big - but usable. I always think of an old anvil at 1 dollar per pound to sell it, and less if I want a bargain. Look up your ideal anvil on Centaur forge and this one will look like a bargain. Listen for an even ring by tapping with a hammer and watch for bounce back using a light hammer- no bounce back - maybe separating face. I haven't bought an anvil in over 29 years. You want at least a 150 lb and more is better (mine is 189). For demos shows 100 is good- easier to move.

Good luck! :unsure: