I did pretty well at an estate sale today. When I got home I noticed that what I thought was just a little stand the old smith had made for a hand grinder is something else. It kind of looks like a small swage of some type on legs. Any ideas? There's an old label on one leg that starts E.J. and what looks like Port.. is under it, but everything else is worn off or completely gone. It's about 7" long by 4" wide and stands 20" high. The surface is about an inch thick. I have to admit it's gotten my curiosity going. Thanks

I think you have a anvil for shaping/bending pre made horse shoes

Ah, that may make sense. Thanks.

That would explain the matching grooves on either side of it. I guess I'll have to go get a horse, no sense in letting a good tool go to waste.

Be pretty handy for light ornamental work too and that's a lot easier than dealing with a horse!

Around my area we call that a stall jack. It is used as Martin has stated to cold shape pre-made horse shoes. It is rather impressive to watch a farrier who is experienced with one of these anvils work!