the freewheeler Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I recently came across an anvil at a local antique store that I frequent. I understand that prices can range from $0.25 - $3 or more per pound, so want to know if this is a decent deal. I cannot find any markings on this particular piece, but they may be hidden underneath layers of repaint. It feels roughly 50 lbs, maybe a little more. Below are a few photos, but what's a good price on this item? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 29, 2016 Share Posted March 29, 2016 I guess you want it in pesos as I am writing this in Mexico so you must be in Mexico too, right? What does the ball bearing test report? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted March 29, 2016 Author Share Posted March 29, 2016 Pesos are fine with me...currency converters are a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to do the ball bearing test. This would be my first "true" blacksmithing tool, so I wasn't familiar with that test until just now. I can't count how many times I have needed or could have used an anvil in the past on miscellaneous projects, so as soon as I saw this one I knew I wanted it...as long as the price was right. Are you not able to give a ballpark number without that info? Maybe you could give me a range value based on different test results? That way I could stop back by this gentleman's shop, do the test, and feel comfortable with a value to make an offer on the spot. Very much appreciate any help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notownkid Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 unfortunately buying an anvil isn't like buying a used truck, some are going for more than $3 some 4-5. What part of the country are you in presuming you are in the USA. Put a general location in where you are and it might help on values. What does he want for it?, how much do you want to spend? are first 2 parts of the equation. Ball Bearing test is 3rd. 0.25 cents a lb. is a pipe dream, not realistic as they sold new for that in 1910. Sky is the limit on asking prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 1 minute ago, notownkid said: unfortunately buying an anvil isn't like buying a used truck, some are going for more than $3 some 4-5. What part of the country are you in presuming you are in the USA. Put a general location in where you are and it might help on values. What does he want for it?, how much do you want to spend? are first 2 parts of the equation. Ball Bearing test is 3rd. 0.25 cents a lb. is a pipe dream, not realistic as they sold new for that in 1910. Sky is the limit on asking prices. Sorry, I referred to $0.25 because I read it elsewhere. I guess it was either plainly incorrect or referring to the lowest of low quality, scrap metal value. Anyway, I am located in Atlanta, GA. He is asking $95, and I am willing to pay that much if it should command that value. I'm not really willing to spend much more - my livelihood does not depend on it and I'm not a blacksmithing hobbyist, per se. I'd use it as a shop tool for miscellaneous jobs where a strong work surface is necessary. Also, I think the size of this particular anvil is enough for anything I'll ever need. The top rectangular face is approximately 12" x 3". Also, as mentioned before, it weighs 50-60 pounds, assuming that size and weight are also a factor. Hopefully that is enough info to get an idea of values for varying Ball Bearing Test results. Say...what would be value at 80%, 60% and 40% bounce? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 80% and up: US$2 a pound 40% bounce 20 cents a pound Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 1 minute ago, ThomasPowers said: 80% and up: US$2 a pound 40% bounce 20 cents a pound ok, so $0.25 / pound isn't a pipe dream? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 not if you are paying scrap rate for a cast iron ASO at a scrapyard; otherwise I have been given more anvils than I have paid 25 cents a pound for... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 What does this include? " I'm not a blacksmithing hobbyist, per se. I'd use it as a shop tool for miscellaneous jobs where a strong work surface is necessary. " I mean, if rebound dosnt matter to what your doing.....is rebound important? might speak to the life of an anvil you are using, but if your just straightning out tin here and there there are cheaper solutions. If you like "That" anvil and it suits your needs then try to negotiate. if you could work with a cheaper solution then maybe we should know what you ARE using it for to be able to properly help in your question. I just recently let a Stout little antique 50# anvil go to a higher bid then $140. usd. at an auction here in Pennsylvania, and I liked it but not that much. and dont "need" it. was it worth the $160 usd it sold for? to the buyer it apparently was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I point students at the 70 pound $14 anvils the scrapyard sells as 4"x4"x8" chunks of steel; better than a lot of the anvils viking swords were forged on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedefiddle Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Good Morning, Mr. Wheeler If you are comfortable with the price of the anvil, then it is a fair price. Asking what is worth is like asking the world for their favorite colour (Pink with Orange stripes). From the pictures you have, it looks like a real Anvil. Maybe a Farrier Anvil, but it doesn't matter for what you seem to have expressed for wants/needs. Don't be shy, bring it home. Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwistedCustoms Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 100.00 US is not a risky investment on that little anvil, I would pay that based on the photos. A new cast steel farriers anvil that size will set you back around $300.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 If you invest $100 in the anvil, can you make enough items to have the anvil pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time? Do not over look the fact that a small anvil has advantages. The smaller horn, thinner heel section, etc are not available on a BIG anvil. Besides you can move a smaller anvil without using a crane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Olson Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Buy it. As you stated you needed one once in awhile and it will fit your needs even if it isn't perfect its still an anvil. 95 isn't that big of an investment. If you dont like it then sell it. I think its worth 95 all day long and someone without an anvil would swoop on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notownkid Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Start with a $100 small one and as Glenn says earn enough on it to buy a bigger one if you decide you need it or intend to stay in the hobby. A beginner making big stuff right off in questionable. Comes down to how much you have to spend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted March 30, 2016 Author Share Posted March 30, 2016 13 hours ago, TwistedCustoms said: "" Thank you all so much...some great info and perspective. I'll plan to swing back by and pick it up, hopefully along with some other tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted April 1, 2016 Author Share Posted April 1, 2016 Brought it home! Grabbed a few other pieces as well. The ball bearing test was only around 60% rebound, but it has a nice ring to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njanvilman Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 The top hammer is for masonry. Cutting blocks/bricks, and tapping into place. It really is not intended for striking metal. The ball peen and chisel should work fine. Do lots of reading and questioning about smithing. Find a local demo and watch and ask questions. You can never ever have too much knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted April 2, 2016 Author Share Posted April 2, 2016 8 hours ago, njanvilman said: The top hammer is for masonry. Cutting blocks/bricks, and tapping into place. It really is not intended for striking metal. The ball peen and chisel should work fine. Do lots of reading and questioning about smithing. Find a local demo and watch and ask questions. You can never ever have too much knowledge. Thanks for the reply. The hammers and chisel were free, so the news that one of the hammers is for masonry isn't too bad of news - thanks, however, for letting me know. Definitely excited to learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ausfire Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Well, I think you got a great deal. But then, I'm Australian. You wouldn't get anything like that here for that price. Put it to work and have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobody Special Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Drop in at the Bealer meetings around ATL, or the Redtop Mountain Forge in Cartersville. There's anvils around. Good luck with the one you found. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted April 4, 2016 Author Share Posted April 4, 2016 Photo Update! The anvil was painted black when I purchased it, though I'm not sure if that was original or not. I wanted to strip it of paint and blacken the metal itself instead. I was hoping that underneath the paint I would find some kind of branding, but unfortunately I still did not see anything. Anyway - Here are some before and after photos of the anvil stripped and blackened. Really pleased with the result. before: after: 7 hours ago, Nobody Special said: Drop in at the Bealer meetings around ATL, or the Redtop Mountain Forge in Cartersville. There's anvils around. Good luck with the one you found. Awesome, I'll definitely check it out. I was planning on also going to Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham for a beginners course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammerfall Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 What did you use to blacken your anvil? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the freewheeler Posted April 11, 2016 Author Share Posted April 11, 2016 10 minutes ago, Hammerfall said: What did you use to blacken your anvil? Product made by Sculpt Nouveau called "Black Magic." Finished it with their clear metal oil, but they also have that in black. Check out their YouTube videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammerfall Posted April 11, 2016 Share Posted April 11, 2016 Thanks, I have not seen anyone put a finish on their anvil. I know it's taboo to paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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