wayner Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 I just acquired this as my first anvil and would like to learn as much as I can about it. I have been reading the posts on Trenton and other anvils extensively and would really like to determine if this Trenton was imported or American made and to ballpark how old it is. My understanding is that I may be just the second owner of this anvil and that it was primarily used for farrier work at Laurel Race Track in my home state of Maryland. The anvil has what looks like a Trenton brand in a diamond on the side but does not have any discernable markings on the front foot. There does appear to be a sideways H stamped on the side of the horn however. The bottom is hourglass shaped and recessed with what I think is a cast mark or seam in the middle. The surface has no defects and it rebounds very well. I weighed it at 197 lbs. I used a twisted wire wheel in a angle grinder to remove some light rust and then wiped it lightly with boiled linseed oil. Next step will be to cut an appropriate size log to mount it on. Thanks to all who share their wealth of knowledge, information and experiences posted to this. I have been interested in this craft since the 70's and finally I am getting started ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlpservicesinc Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 I don't have a definitive age.. I can tell you it's a true American Trenton vs the German made ones because of the feet.. I'd have to get the book out to find when they transitioned over but I'm sure someone will be around soon that can give you more information.. Nice anvil.. I like the shape of this style.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 For sure U.S. based Trenton from the logo stamp style. That is the first local stamp style for U.S.-based Trentons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayner Posted April 2, 2017 Author Share Posted April 2, 2017 Thanks. So based on what I have read here on other Trenton posts would it be safe to say this is an early 1900's anvil ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted April 2, 2017 Share Posted April 2, 2017 Yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald58 Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Hello, I just bought a Trenton anvil can anyone tell me the age the numbers are 155 on the left 195968 on the right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Frog Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Can you post a picture of the side logo stamp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald58 Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Yes here it is here are the numbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-1ToolSteel Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 155 lbs, made in 1928. That's an anvil to be proud of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald58 Posted April 5, 2017 Share Posted April 5, 2017 Thanks You!! .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald58 Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 I just went and weighed the anvil and it weighs 257lbs could the 155 be some thing else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-1ToolSteel Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 Maybe they meant to stamp it "255". Anvil weight markings are only approximate, and imperfections are fairly common. Also, the weight is for just the anvil without the stand in case you left it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerald58 Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 Ok thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe lopez Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 I have a Trenton anvil with a 7 stamped on the side of the foot. That’s all I can see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Hi Joe welcome to IFI. Have you read this yet? READ THIS FIRST What would you like to know about your Trenton? Pictures will help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvilfound Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 Ok I just found this anvil I know its a trenton but I don't know the age any help would be good i think it 90 lbs It has nice ring and rebound is it usa made or ? . The other anvil in the pic is a Volcan 8 80 lb has a broken face beyond the pitcher hole im going to try and fix it and retemper it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 I can't read the serial number. Trying to fix the Vulcan will do more harm than good, unless you are experienced in anvil repair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvilfound Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 (edited) Here is a closeup I will get it wire wheeled up tomorrow and post a picture clean i think it says A423?8 ? Might be a 9 I'm a aerospace engineer and a metallurgist I think I got it and vulcan is the bottom of the barrel anvil. It was only 300 for it so its fixable but it doesn't have the arm and hammer emblem on it just VOL8CAN on the foot edge Edited September 28, 2020 by Mod30 Remove excessive quotes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvilfound Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Evening gents I did a cleanup and new paint job on her and highlighted the numbers. Unfortunately the Trenton <> diamond and name were ground off by the previous owners who just retired at 90 years of age and sold the 3 thousand acre dry crop farm (barley wheat etc). Any info on age would be appreciated. I know its 90 lbs by the W 90 on the foot but I dont know the age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anvilfound Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 Sorry about the excessive quotes and duplicate photos upload failed on a couple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 Then make a report stating the problem so the admins or moderators can address the issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted September 30, 2020 Share Posted September 30, 2020 You can ask the forum for help too. We'll only make fun of you if it's a really silly problem. I'm not trying to edge the admin and mods out but they're generally really busy trying to herd the cat stampede that is Iforge, so we try to ease the load when we can. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnsolly Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 New guy here so sorry if I’m ignorant. I purchased a neglected Trenton anvil out of a yard. The pictures are posted below. My question is, how old is this guy? The weight is marked as 153. The serial number is 175672. I’ve been told it’s beyond repair, but I’m going to try to build the face back up and give it a good life Expert opinions are appreciated John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Except for the messed up horn end of the face it looks to be in very good shape. I would ignore the damage and use it as is. You have a perfectly adequate face to work on and you will never miss those few inches. Alternatively, you could clean out the damaged face plate and use the area like an extended step (the flat area between the horn and the working face). But that is unnecessary work unless it bothers you aesthetically. It looks like you have partially done this already. If you don't mind telling us what did you pay for it? Also, welcome aboard. If you haven't already read "Read this first" in the blue banner at the top of the page. Please post your location and we may be able to give you more relevant answers. This is a world wide forum and we don't know if you are in the USA, Australia. Bosnia, or China. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnsolly Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Thanks for the reply George. I have read the “forum rules”. I’m in Franklin Indiana. I kinda feel guilty telling you what I paid but it was $50. As a young man I worked for a ferrier. We shoed horses on the weekend. He always carried an anvil in the trunk of his car to cold shape shoes. The experience stuck in my head. I’m now in my 60’s and do some metal work in my shop. I decided having an old anvil like my ferrier mentor would be cool. I placed an ad in Facebook Marketplace that said I was looking for old/forgotten/abused anvils. A local guy replied and said his dad had this 75 pound anvil parked in his side yard. When I saw it I knew two things, one it wasn’t 75 pounds, two it was going to be mine. We had already agreed on $50. I handed him the cash and bent down to pick up my new anvil. Well let’s just say I don’t spend much time working out these days. I got it in the air and headed to the car. Did I mention I drive a Cadillac? I had already popped the trunk so a short 45’ walk...holy xxxx this is heavy, and it was in the trunk. It was then I realized I had gained a new burning sensation in my lower back. So rather than drive home, I decided I’d go straight to my chiropractor. Turns out they were open and squeezed me in...and called me stupid. Okay that’s the story. Good, bad, and ugly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.