This has been split off and put in its own topic.

 

Hi all. I'm new at blacksmithing so I don't know how to identify anvils by style. I was wondering if you could help me identify one:

It is only about a foot long and I didn't see any markings. 

Also is squared sides or rounded sides more useful in an anvil?

What you have there is what I would call an anvil shaped object "ASO".  Meaning it's shaped like an anvil but will not function well as one. A real anvil has mass under the face and at least a steel faceplate, which that one is hollow and also probably cast iron. 

It was probably part of an old vise multi tool. 

Please check out this thread to help in identifying what to look for in an anvil. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/48369-anvils-a-beginner-buyers-guide/?tab=comments#comment-505135

It's not an anvil, it's the end of a multi tool vise and worth less that a plain hunk of scrap steel as an anvil

if you go over to anvilfire.com  slash anvils slash donated_020.php   you will see another one exactly like yours and a good write up on why they are not anvils.

I recall another one posted here as well but the search has not turned it up yet...AHAH!

https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/35785-unique-anvil/

 

Scrap pile huh? Darn. Alright, thanks for taking a look guys and saving me some time.

This has been split off and put in its own topic.

 

Clearly not useful as a real anvil however I would think of a way to make it into part of a sculpture. Check your srcap pile and start thinking!

Good nut cracker base for sitting next to the fireplace.

Not a bad thing to have mounted in your garage to hammer on things or you could use it for forging as a cut-off tool near your anvil so you don't mark up the face of your anvil.  Otherwise, yeah ASO for sure.

I use mine as a door stop, to keep the door to the smithy open in the wind.

I just picked up this old gal, 150# with a flat face and a nice ring. The only markings I can find are the remnants of the letters N.Y. on the side. I' thinking it' a H-B, any thoughts?

Yep, looks like a Hay Budden. Very nice anvil you have there. The step is unusually steep and looks a little odd to me. I would wonder if it was repaired a while back, but the clear ring is a good sign.

BTW, a separate anvil ID probably deserves its own thread.

+1 to what C-1 said. 

Thanks for the quick replies,  I'm picking up a fresh wire cup for my 7" angle grinder this week and I'm hoping to get a clearer Mark showing up. Once I get the surface rust off I'll give it a coat of linseed oil and hammer on!!!

22 hours ago, ThomasPowers said:

Good nut cracker base for sitting next to the fireplace.

My Mousehole filled that function for over twenty years, even when we didn't have a fireplace. The good news is, anvils don't spoil.

Well they don't spoil fast.....I've seen a couple ruined though immersion or wet soil for over 100 years  My wife needed a nutcracker at my little casita down here so I got here a small slab of 1/2" plate from the scrap pile and a 2 ounce ball peen to use on it.  It sat on her side of the table for most of last year with the hammer sticking out of the mug she puts pens in...