I am looking at an anvil and wanted some opinions on it.  A part of the top plate has chipped off.  If it looks like there is more cracking I will probably pass. I will look it over and check the ring. I don't have a ball bearing, so is there another method to check rebound? Not sure on manufacturer or weight but I think is plus or minus 150 lbs. I am currently using a cheap, small anvil so I feel like anything would be an improvement. He is asking about a dollar a pound so it seems reasonable but I am not looking to buy a paper weight. Thanks

Sure you can use it ... but that's worth $50 not $150

Offer $50. Not worth much more. 

Or keep looking.

To check if the plate is still attached to the base, use a hammer and let it bounce all over the plate by dropping it from 4" or 6" . If it rings and bounces off, the plate is solid, if it knocks hollow, ( clonk ) give it a miss, not worth your trouble. It's a boat anchor. 

Check for manufacturer details, that may make a bit of a difference. (not much)

I agree with Marc1: that anvil has lost a really substantial chunk over the most heavily used section of the face, rendering that area essentially useless. At 50 bucks, it would be a decent starter anvil (if the rest of the face is sound), but otherwise keep looking.but otherwise keep looking.

 I see that this is your only post so far,  and you haven't indicated in your profile where you are. Since anvil prices and availability vary dramatically in different locations, can you tell us where you are, what you're looking for, and the kind of work you'll be doing?

If it's cheap enough, it might be worth repairing as it looks to be a good brand anvil.  There is still some face over the sweet spot. I might go 50 cents a pound if I really needed an anvil.  A lot of it depends on where you are at and the density of anvil in that area.  Here in New Mexico, USA they are a lot rarer than back in Ohio, USA and both those places are in the same country!

Thanks for the input guys.  I am in Northern California, about 5 hours north of San Francisco, on the coast.  There aren't a lot of anvils available around here.  From what I have read, replacing the broken portion with a new plate usually isn't all that successful.  Like you said though, if it's cheap enough I'd be willing to try. 

It appears to be a Peter Wright by the flats on the feet. If so, it is a wrought iron body with a steel top plate.

I agree with the others, it isn't worth $1 a pound. 

IronWolf is in Crescent City, and he does anvil restoration, if you do get it, and decide to do something with it in the future. Steve's Welding , Crescent City.

i agree with a PW. 

Hard to tell brand without better images but I concur with everyone else that it does look like a PW by the feet. If it's anything like mine the rest of it still has some promise; Like someone said before ask less for it.

For reference I paid £150 for my 141lb c1918 PW in 'almost' perfect condition bar a very small flat spot where the previous smith has overused a point with hot stock and ruined the temper. I don't know how US anvil prices compare really, I imagine you pay more for them despite more of them being available in the states.

They are bargains in the UK compared to what has happened to them here. 

Yes replacing the plate with a plate is generally a failure.  Replacing the missing plate by building up with the proper rod works Search on Robb Gunter anvil repair method

Thanks again for the feedback guys.  I am going to look at it tomorrow.  The build up repair method is interesting and seems like a possibility, though I'd prefer to buy an undamaged anvil.

look for another one, the money you'll put in the rods, the time to do it, the experience you need will far surpass the investment in a decent anvil.

 

Well I bought it. Seems solid other than the chip. It is a PW. Weighs about 140. Paid $90 for it. I'm going to keep an eye out for a nicer anvil but this will be a step up for now. Thanks for weighing in everyone. 

Good deal. As long as everyone involved in the transaction is happy it was a good buy. 

You could even modify the front to accept tooling.