Kekron Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Hey guys! (First post! :D) I got bit by the blacksmith bug and set out to gather the stuff needed to play with hot metal in my backyard. First up the anvil! (Cue Zelda's acquired sound).http://imgur.com/a/aFGoKI found this anvil off of ebay for a steel. The seller claimed it was 180 lbs. The seller also claimed it was steel, but my hammer test suggests a steel face with an iron body (which would make sense?). Picked it up for $150, cant beat <$1/lb. After brushing off years of rust I was able to make out her maker's mark as well as other markings. Hill.Some internet research makes me strongly think she is a Hill Birmingham, although while the Hill is clearly visible the Birmingham is not. However, the similar font and other symbols elsewhere on the anvil as well as the general style of the anvil matches with other Hills I've seen online. I was also able to make out the hundredweight mark, 188 lbs (the second digit is heavily faded and can be made out only with the right shading so it didnt come out well in a picture).Some heavy wire brushing then a coat of linseed oil to stop the rust before I get a chance to use her and she's ready for the shop. I'm curious. Various internet searches show other Hills being late 1700s, early 1800s. Anyone got a clue about mine? I noticed that my anvil has a pair of pritchel holes, one larger than the other. I got the feeling from somewhere that that feature is more common on later anvils than earlier ones? I'm also curious about the mark on the front legs. 1T. Thoughts? Perhaps another weight mark? Or a mark denoting the model of anvil?Kek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Check under the pritchels to see if there are signs they were hot punched or were drilled. older anvils were sometimes retrofitted with a pritchel by drilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Welcome aboard Kek, glad to have you. If you'll put your general location in the header you might be surprised how many of the IFI gang live within visiting distance.You've sure cleaned that old lady up nicely and without doing any damage. Congratulations on a job well done.I can't be of much help with your anvil but maybe with other things. What kind of things do you want to make?Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 You anvil is steel faced with a wrought iron body. It has obviously had a long life, but there is still a kick in the ol' boy. It started its life in the industrial areas of England sometime in the 1800's. Use it carefully and it will pay you back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everything Mac Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Nice clean up. I think the maker is William Hill. Birmingham is where it was made. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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