meeekyh Posted April 8, 2011 Share Posted April 8, 2011 I have been using this anvil for a couple of years now and decided to ID it. Markings on the side are mostly obscured even after extensive cleaning, however the foot has clear markings as follows: Left side under horn '135', Following that to left 'A 147095', Under the heel is a 'U', on the sides appear to be the letters 'WISMITH' in 1/4 inch letters. These letters appear to be only a portion of what was there originally and I am thinking they were added during the life of the anvil. Thank you for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marksnagel Posted April 8, 2011 Share Posted April 8, 2011 Hey there Meeekyh, First, welcome to IFI. Chances are great that someone here can help you id your anvil. If possible could you add a few pictures showing different angles and the markings. Seeing is believing. The more angles and unique shapes we can see the more we can help. Have a blessed day. Mark<>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinton Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 Ya well this is like saying I have a car that is blue and it has a licsense plate # OU812. Can you tell me what kind of car it is? Pictures dude, top, bottom, side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 The weight stamp and serial number location is pretty much indicative. Does it have a "caplet" indention on the bottom? I'd guess the lettering was added later too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 If it is a Trenton, the serial # indicates that it was made in 1917. The 135 is probably the weight. This, according to Anvils In America. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meeekyh Posted April 13, 2011 Author Share Posted April 13, 2011 Ya well this is like saying I have a car that is blue and it has a licsense plate # OU812. Can you tell me what kind of car it is? Pictures dude, top, bottom, side Somebody else already told me these things, and without the snark. Thanks though. Also I believe the correct analogy for a serial number would be a VIN not a plate number. At least I didn't say its anvil-shaped, or really heavy or metal-colored. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meeekyh Posted April 13, 2011 Author Share Posted April 13, 2011 The weight stamp and serial number location is pretty much indicative. Does it have a "caplet" indention on the bottom? I'd guess the lettering was added later too. What is a 'caplet' The bottom indentation is ovular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meeekyh Posted April 13, 2011 Author Share Posted April 13, 2011 pix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 Looks just like my 150# Trenton. Mine also has the clip plate, or what ever they call it, on the side of the table. Nice anvil. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meeekyh Posted April 14, 2011 Author Share Posted April 14, 2011 Looks just like my 150# Trenton. Mine also has the clip plate, or what ever they call it, on the side of the table. Nice anvil. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FieryFurnace Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Nice anvil! I'd have send Trenton but I'm not an expert. (Is it just me or does the horn resemble the Hay Budden profile more?) Anyway, Trenton would have been my first guess. I've got an 86 pound that is in simimlar condition. They are good anvils! Oh P.S.: Blacksmiths generaly have a dry sense of humor which includes lots of sarcasim! Take it light hearted and "return fire" in he same spirit! It is well nigh impossible to identify an anvil by just numbers and letters. Profile shape and location of numbers and letters are also important along with the configuration of those lettes and numbers. That's why pictures are so important. Around the mid 1800's well over a MILLION POUNDS of anvils were imported annually from England, from several different companies. Also a Trenton anvil may not be stamped in bold letters "TRENTON." Mine doesn't have the word "Trenton" anywhere on it. Let's say "Mom and Pop's blacksmith supply" ordered a dozen Trenton anvils from England. (I think Trenton was in England.) Anyway, instead of "Trenton" being stamped on the side Mrs. Mom and Mr. Pop, got Trenton to stamp "Mom and Pop's blacksmith supply" on the side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Trentons were made in Columbus Ohio as were the Arm and Hammer brand anvils (NOT Vulcan!) Trenton, Arm & Hammer and Hay Budden anvils all tended toward the american styling of the London Pattern anvils with long horns and long slim heels making them quite loud in use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FieryFurnace Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Ok thanks Mr. Thomas! Which of the common anvils were English makes? Maybe Peter Wright, and Mousehole? Sorry, not trying to steal the thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob S Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Somebody else already told me these things, and without the snark. . ;-) That was the best part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Over here Peter Wright and Mousehole are probably the most common; but Wilkinson, William Foster, Henry Wright, Powell,...are not unknown (and for modern one the Vaughn and Brooks). Check Anvils in America; you can probably ILL it from your local library. Though note that Postman says he's identified about 250 English Anvil makers so far... Often the "look" of the anvil can hint if it's from over the pond with english anvils tending toward a more squat "industrial" form and american getting the elongated horns and heels and "dainty" look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clinton Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 The guy stamping the letters was all over the place, gives it good character Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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