First post here.  Will be checking out an anvil for sale here soon.  The photo shows an anvil with a hole horizontally through the side.

So far I've read nothing about this type of "feature". Thoughts please.

 

Thanks,

Cranky Bellows

Couldn't say..........personal modification?

Chainmaker's anvils have a hole through the side but usually it's a square one.

Check to see if it was drilled and if so it's a more modern retrofit

That can come in handy. I see a hold down of sorts pivoting in that hole........

Mr Powers is correct as usual.a hook type device was inserted into the hole to assist in forging chains.

I have a vid over on the horseshoers forum from you tube of the device in use by chainmakers. May post it on here later if isnt too much work for me to find.

George

Thanks guys, I've found several online photos of chain anvils.  The placement and circular shape of this hole still presents me with a mystery.  Will likely just pass on this one.  The real search is really for a Fisher in the 150 to 200 lb range. Nwould like to see that video George.

NOT a chainmaker's anvil.  Hole done for some kind of personal modification.

Thanks all for the comments.

i do need to get down to the Fisher / Norris museum.  In Northern NJ myself.

 

Not sure for the reason either but even up here in Alaska this nice 400lb Kohlswa has a hole drilled into the side.

12 hours ago, Cranky Bellows said:

Thanks all for the comments.

i do need to get down to the Fisher / Norris museum.  In Northern NJ myself.

 

Contact me at [email protected] to arrange a time.

Thanks njanvilman... e-mail sent...