Could someone tell me about an anvil that I just bought today?  It is a Trenton.  On the front foot it has stamped  left  250 and right 223545.  I assume the 250 is the weight because I weighted it and it was 249 pounds.  It also has 43  in raised numbers near the rear foot.  Thanks in advance.

Postman's "Anvils In America", serial numbers 223203 - 223867 Dec.1948 - Oct. 1949

Good Morning,

 

I believe there is a pointy end and a squared end, there is a kind of flat table between them. If you don't hit it, it is silent. Feeding is not required, doesn't need toilet training. Very well mannered. :) :) :) :)

Pretty modern and should be a 2 piece anvil with a higher carbon steel upper and a mild steel base welded together at the waist probably by very large arc rod.  Should "sing" in use if not muted in some way.  Made in Columbus OH by a well respected anvil maker.

Hey now. I have two Trenton 250 pounders, slightly unidentical twins in terms of face/horn length ratio. I used one of them for over 35 years with excellent results. It is still being used as a student anvil. I now have a 250# Fontanini for my personal anvil.  Both the Trenton and Fontanini are good. If you want to sell me your Trenton, I'll have "triplets."

 

Sayings and Cornpone

"One of life's little ironies is the fact that when you finally master a tough job you make it look easy."

     "Bits & Pieces" January 1983