I Inherited this Fisher anvil

[joeblo1130]

My grandfather gave this anvil to me when I was about 13 years old.  When I was a youger kid I was fascinated by the blacksmithing equipment in his garage that his father had used in his work.  My two uncles were not interested in these heirlooms and neither were their sons so  grandpa promised the blacksmithing tools to me.  He died just last wednesday and my interest has been stirred about the history and what I have for an anvil at least.  I would like to know what you all think about the condition and although it is not and never will be for sale, what the approximate value might be.  Here are some photos taken with my phone camera:

[VaughnT]

Fisher anvils are renowned as one of the very best that you can get.  Your particular example is at the top of the list in terms of size and quality.  It looks like there's almost no wear on it, the face plate is flat and the edges are in near mint condition.  The horn and cutting table look like they've never seen a bit of work. 

 

In California, where anvils of any size are reportedly hard to come by, you could ask a premium for what you have.  I wouldn't hesitate to pay $2 a pound, but it's absolutely worth that or more.  Generally speaking, the smaller the anvil, the higher the price they command because everybody seems to like a more portable anvil.  Hobbyists just starting out, folks that might see a move in near future, smiths that do fairs and such... a small anvil comes in very handy.  $3 a pound wouldn't be a problem for what you have.

[njanvilman]

You have a 200 lb Fisher anvil, made in 1921 in Trenton, NJ.  I would venture a guess that the anvil was probably bought new by your Great-grandfather.  It was not used a great deal, and the use it had was done correctly.  It is rare to have any object traceable in the same family through four generations.  Reminds me of a friend who still has his Great-grandfathers Model T, bought new, and about to be passed onto his son, fifth generation to own this car from new.

 

It is a great family heirloom, even if your uncles do not think so.  Consider yourself lucky. 

[joeblo1130]

Thank you for your replies!  With the chips in the edge of the face on both sides I wondered if it was considered lightly or heavily worn.  There's a 75 or 90# anvil that I haven't seen in years waiting to be picked up.  I'll probably post in the show me your anvil thread.  For now, I need to learn how to use this beauty without hurting it.

[quint]

Thats nice on many accounts. The chipping isnt that bad and could easily be rounded a touch. Looks new other wise. Up in my pars that thing would probably go for closer to $4 a lb. Funny I grew up in oak run and lived down in redding for a while. Left when I turned 18 but nice place to grow up for the most part. Well except for the summers, 115f is to hot for my blood. 

[Frosty]

Welcome aboard, glad to have you.

 

I have some of my Father's tools and both my Grandfather's pocket watches they mean a lot to me. Being able to use your Great Grandfather's anvil would be a treat indeed. It looks to be in outstanding condition, the little bit of chipping on the edges isn't severe enough to dress out. A little time with a disk grinder to radius the chipped edges would take care of it without effecting it's usefulness at all. You're golden on this beauty.

 

Get yourself hooked up with the CBA, every hour you spend with an experienced blacksmith will equal days or weeks learning on your own. The CBA is an active group and by all accounts great guys all round.

 

Frosty The Lucky.