February 18, 20197 yr Picked this up today. No distinct stamping but I believe it is a Fisher. Only mark is, what I believe to be, a “2”, on the rear foot. See pic. Stand for 200lbs.? Weighed it on a scale about as old as the anvil and it read 185lbs. Makes sense, give or take a few.. No ring, like a Fisher. Great rebound, like a Fisher. Shaped, like an old Fisher. Forged, not cast. See pic. I would like to know the approximate time period from any Fisher expert, and any other information about this anvil if possible. Thank you and truly appreciate and respect any shared knowledge.
February 18, 20197 yr It depends a lot on where in the world you picked it up, hence the suggestion to edit your profile to show your location. READ THIS FIRST
February 18, 20197 yr You say "Forged not cast"--- yet the projecting 2 is indicative of a casting. How do you differentiate? Is there any swelling under the hardy hole like a Badger might have? (The inlet in the foot under the hardy hole is also seen in Badgers IIRC).
February 18, 20197 yr Author Ahhhh! Good observation! I was under the assumption it was forged due to the keyholes/ tongholes.. But the raised “2” is a very solid piece of evidence to indicate a cast. There also is swelling under the hardy as well.. Do I have a Badger? So much left to learn.. I am in Western Massachusetts BTW.. Appreciate the input!
February 18, 20197 yr ISTR some of the early Fishers might also have some of those characteristics; but the NJAnvilMan will know for sure---he owns and runs the Fisher Museum!
February 18, 20197 yr It is always difficult to say anything definitive from photos alone. But from the photos, it appears that you have an early Fisher, approx late 1850's. Straight horn on the underside. Your anvil was made in Trenton, NJ. Follow me here or at Fisher & Norris Factory Museum. Hopefully within a year, my book will be finished on everything Fisher, from their founding to present.
February 18, 20197 yr Author Thank you for sharing your expertise! Wow, 1850s! Good luck with your project, certainly a noble endeavor.. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it.
February 18, 20197 yr Funny thing 1850's is not considered extremely old for an anvil; usually the pre 1800's "colonial" anvils are considered "old". I have an 1828 William Foster that I still forge on. I found it in very poor condition and bought it cheap to use as a testbed for a "traditional" anvil repair experiment; still waiting on a crew sufficiently touched with the spark of divine madness to undertake that project... To paraphrase another recruiting ad: "Smiths wanted for hazardous project rebuilding an anvil. Small wages, blazing heat, long hours of complete insanity, constant danger. Safe success doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success."
February 18, 20197 yr 3 hours ago, ThomasPowers said: still waiting on a crew sufficiently touched Count me in.
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