October 11, 201213 yr Can anyone identify my anvil? Ive heard it might be a mousehole forge anvil. It has an unusual hole under the bick - I havent seen anything like this on other anvil ID threads like this. I can see any markings on it other than the weight - 1 0 26. I think it was forged, certainly looks like that too me but its previous owner told me it has a crack and as such it doesn't ring. In fact it it is very dull when struck. Any pointers would be appreciated. All the best Andy
October 11, 201213 yr Author This first picture makes it look like there might have been writing on that side but I just went and had a look and there does look like there might have been some once but it's too far gone. Cheers
October 11, 201213 yr The holes are handling holes used with special tongs to grab the anvil while working it under a steam hammer. Pretty much all forged anvils have them, how many and where can be used to help identify some anvil makers. I'm not a big mousehole maven but to my eye the sharp topped feet and fat waist look very much like a mousehole---however Postman has identified over 200 different English Anvil manufacturers and *many* of them made anvils that were quite similar, often because the people who ran/worked for one manufacturer would go off and set up their own. Here in the states mousehole and peter wright were among the most common imported anvils from England so if we were going to guess Mousehole would be a pretty good one. In the UK you have the full gamut of them and so it's only a "possible" without better markings.
October 16, 201213 yr I have a Mousehole, early 1800's. Rub some talcum powder on the sides and see if anything is clearer.
October 16, 201213 yr My bad. I have a Foster, 1830's, Mousehole later 1800's. I don't mind a dull sounding anvil as long as it stays together.
October 16, 201213 yr My bad. I have a Foster, 1830's, Mousehole later 1800's. I don't mind a dull sounding anvil as long as it stays together.
October 16, 201213 yr My bad. I have a Foster, 1830's, Mousehole later 1800's. I don't mind a dull sounding anvil as long as it stays together.
October 16, 201213 yr My bad. I have a Foster, 1830's, Mousehole later 1800's. I don't mind a dull sounding anvil as long as it stays together.
October 16, 201213 yr Author Well it's taken a bit of a beating over the 4 years I've had it so I'm happy enough. Would just be nice to know where it was made.
October 16, 201213 yr Author Well it's taken a bit of a beating over the 4 years I've had it so I'm happy enough. Would just be nice to know where it was made.
October 16, 201213 yr England---it's a relatively small place, smile (I live in one of the larger states in the USA, fifth in size IIRC 121598 sq miles)
October 17, 201213 yr Author England---it's a relatively small place, smile (I live in one of the larger states in the USA, fifth in size IIRC 121598 sq miles) And yet I still haven't met John Smith... It appears bill and I both had issues posting last night.
October 17, 201213 yr Author Been busy today but I managed to take a rubbing of the side of the anvil. I'm convinced they are letters but they are very worn. What I can see might be a word or just part of a word. Might even just be a coincidence but it looks like either Oeask Jeask The "o" or "j" could be a G. The "s" could be another "O" or perhaps even an"&" symbol. Equally the "k" could be an "X" I'd be intrigued to know if those letters or something similar means something to one of our members. It is a shame they are so worn as I would love to know a bit about the anvils history. But as said it has served me very well for a number of years now so it's ultimately no big deal. Cheers for your patience guys Andy
October 17, 201213 yr Looked at mine this morning: BROOKS& COOPER MOUSE HOLE FORGE SHEFFIELD WARRENTED (Mouse stamped here) HOLE PATENT O 3 6 Thinking I got the date of 1870's from Anvils In America, bottom number. Rub the side with talcum powder, wipe the surface leaving the powder in low places. Easier to read than a rubbing. Good luck.
October 17, 201213 yr Correction, Look at the anvil from the point of the horn. Lower left front foot may have a serial number stamped. Mine is 2537, that gave me the date. Used Postman's book, Mousehole Forge to research.
October 17, 201213 yr Is there a ridge on the underside of the horn where it meets the body? That is one of the tell tail signs of Mousehole anvil. Postman wrote a book called "the MouseHole forge" That has more updated information on mousehole anvils. He also says that there are less Mousehole anvils to be found in the UK than in the US. According to the book much of their production was exported to the United States.
October 17, 201213 yr Author There doesn't appear to be no. I wondered if the additional hole by the horn might be a give away?
October 17, 201213 yr Could it be a prichel hole that is blocked up with a slug. I see a round spot on the face that could indicate that.
October 18, 201213 yr The additional hole under the bick indicates that it is a female anvil. Lol, i think the presence of an additional hole AND a bick makes for a different beast entirely! :blink:
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