Anvil fix-up and ID?

[Steven511]

I recently found a deal on Craigslist for this 50lb anvil. I cleaned it up with a wire brush and oiled it with wd40. Cleaning it up I found that it had 2 markings. One either says II&B or U&B, and the other is pretty distorted, but I can make out a “vul5”. Im pretty sure it is a Vulcan as the body is cast iron and the “vul” marking, but the other marking confuses me. What is company is that marking from? Also, is there anything else I should do for the anvil? I’ve been debating putting a layer of paint on, but I’m unsure. Thanks!

 

[ThomasPowers]

The Illinois Iron and Bolt Company mad Vulcan anvils from about 1875 to 1969.

What you should do is USE IT!

How good a deal was it?  My local scrapyard had a appx 50 pound Vulcan they "saved for me" at a very nice price.  I don't like Vulcans so I bought it and sold it on to a fellow needing an anvil for US$50 earlier this year.

[Steven511]

Thanks for the clarification on the markings, Thomas

It was good for around here- $150 for it, though at your prices I feel cheated.

I'm hoping to get a knife or two out of it before I sell it to someone else refurbished. I'd feel guilty for passing it on so soon if not for how much work I had to put in getting the rust off. The thing was covered in about a quarter inch of crud, it was probably 55lbs when it was first made. Someone really didn't appreciate this thing- that much rust, and the chunks off the sides make me believe someone used and abused this thing for a very long time.

[ThomasPowers]

Vulcans, especially the small ones, show abuse quickly.  I know I sold mine way below market; but I made a reasonable profit on it and don't need to gouge folks trying to get started.  We had one around here recently advertised on CL for US$7 a pound and in bad condition. I hope nobody is so clueless as to pay sports car prices for a Ford Escort anvil...