Looks good! Just be careful hammering near the cut mark in the top near the hardy hole.

3 hours ago, ToManyHobbies said:

the belly (?)

The term is swale for the dip of the face. It is actually a plus when straightening stock out.

Looks like a good score to me, well done.

Frosty The Lucky.

Thank you all for your responses.  Looks like I will be doing all my learning from forums like this for a while.  My local Guild is no longer having meetings a shop nights.

I stocked up on Propane, (bought 23 gallons Wednesday),  and have a good scrap pile----I'm ready to self isolate in my smithy!   Of course I'm still expected to be at work Monday - Friday...

ToManyHobbies: Do you have a less cumbersome handle we can address you by? 

Stick around, we enjoy helping new folk get good and addicted to the craft and will happily vet any videos you'd like to watch. There are quite a few good videos and associated discussions in the video review section of IFI. Home page and scroll down, it's there be patient we do a LOT of talking.  

Frosty The Lucky.

8 hours ago, Frosty said:

ToManyHobbies: Do you have a less cumbersome handle we can address you by?

Tom

Thanks, I'll try to remember but I'm lucky to remember what I had for dinner sometimes. 

Frosty The Lucky.

Hi, sorry see my next post this was an error when signing up..

Hi!

I recently inherited a mouse hole anvil. I've read throught this thread but didn'r see anything about numbers on the vertical face of the foot under the horn end. There also looks to be a '5' on its side with out the top... so kind of like a cup with a straight handle. Does any one know about these? 

Edit: photos added.

Edited January 19, 20215 yr by WazzaB
Photos loaded

It's 101 pounds. Beyond that I don't know. Someone will be able to help you out though before too long. 

Pnut

From AIA, the S/N dates it to after 1896, but before 1911.  The trademark stamps don't match the illustrations in AIA. Sooo I would call it a turn of the century Mouse Hole.

AIA has lots of great research, RP documented what he had personally seen or had good solid proof of. Lots of info out there still to be found and added.

Thanks for the info.

I had found another website (i don't remember it's name now) that had a list of stamps but like you said, it doesn't quite match.

Thanks again!

AIA stands for Anvils in America, a book written by Richard Postman.

WazzaB, if you are interested in more information and the history of Mousehole anvils, Richard Postman has another book, Mousehole Forge, that goes into the extensive history of the forge and anvils...fascinating insight in to the fine old anvils.  I'm not a history buff but when my son gifted me a copy of AIA, Mr. Postman graciously sent along an autographed copy of Mousehole Forge.  I've read it several times and learn something new each time.  I don't even own a Mousehole anvil, mine is a Hay Budden, LOL

Awesome, thank you both for the info and book recomendations 

Found a 243lb Mouse Hole that is in pretty good shape. My wife, who currently does art foundry work plans on getting into blacksmithing. 
I don’t see many Mouse Holes that are over 200lbs on the internet. Is a 243lb Mouse hole common?

 

Frank

Hey, ya'll. Last year, I got an M & H Armheage Mouse Hole 1.1.14 anvil. So the weight is about 154 pounds. And I am wondering how much I should sell it for. Any suggestions?

Here are some images of it:   

I am going to get more into blacksmithing, but this one is just in rough shape. So, I am looking for a new one.

One thing I have learned, particularly from the wise counsel of many here, is to make use of what you have as there is a lot to learn about this craft. You have plenty of time to keep an eye open for other tools, but this one will very likely serve you quite well until something else comes along. It has seen lots in its day, leave it more or less alone and use it just as it is. Resist the temptation to grind. 

--Larry

I get what you mean. And you clearly have wisdom on anvils... I'm still in school, and I honestly don't have time for blacksmithing, with work and homework. When I get my summer break, I will have time to get into the shop, but unfortunately, I can't right now... If you get what I mean. 

Thank you for your time and advice though:)

Seller, where are you located?

Indianapolis, Indiana area.

Given the area and the general condition, a few years ago, the going price would have been about $3 or $4 dollars a lb. It looks to be in moderately good shape, some light wallowing of the hardy hole and the kind of mild edge damage I normally associate with cold horse shoeing. I don't know the going price that way right now, but given inflation and everything else, I would probably try for about $5 or maybe, maybe $6 a lb, but be willing to reduce it some if it doesn't move or I got a decent offer. I like mouseholes.

Okay, so if I just go by my weight value of $5 per pound, it is about $770. With everything else added in, age, and condition. About $1,100. But I am flexible. I would like to hear your offer:)