Hi,

My parents bought me this mini anvil for my birthday which I am not sure what it is. I am thinking that it was used as a sample, but I'm not sure. I was hoping one of you guys would know what it is or if it is just a novelty. They bought it at an antique shop so it's probably pretty old. Thanks

Those were quite common as paperweights.  Remember that in the good old days, offices rarely had A/C so you opened a window to get some summer cooling--and everyone had paperweights on their desks.

A salesman's sample would usually have a much more complete finish to show the details--putting their best foot forward rather than being just a rough casting like that.

You can still buy mini anvils in the 1 lb range--for actual use by jewelers and such (machined top)  I have one on my desk right now that was a "free gift" with another Grizzly order a decade or two ago.

Oh alright cool. Thank you