Hay Budden question from newbie

[kyforgerwife]

Hi,

 Please forgive any anvil ignorance in this post. I am NOT an anvil educated person.. just a wife trying to surprise her husband.

 I am going in a couple days to look at an anvil that is stated to be a Hay Budden. I have read as much as I could find online so decided to ask here..

 Did the early Hay Buddens have mfg stamp like the later ones? I was told they didnt. If they didnt how to I confirm for sure it is a Hay Budden? It is not a cheap anvil and I want to be sure. Serial number?

 Are there any other distinguishing things i should be looking at to confirm? I dont want to ask my husband as i want this to be a surprise for him.

 Any info is greatly appreciated.

[ThomasPowers]

The early HB's are best identified by the rim around the edge of the base (turn the anvil upside down!)  Making sort of a stylized hourglass shape---note this can be worn to near invisibility!  Read up on ball bearing test and the rung test---because if it passes both of those it's a good anvil no matter's who's stamp is on it.

Can you get a member of the Abana Affiliate to go with you?  Basically what you are asking us is: How do I tell if a used car's engine is any good when I don't know anything about mechanics? My wife and I have a pact that we don't buy something in the other's field that costs over US$20 WITHOUT having it vetted by our spouse.  The surprise is that they were thinking and budgeting to get something for you. That way she doesn't worry about anvils and I don't worry about spinning wheels----for many years they went for about the same...and we both have a gracious plenty of our specific tools!

[Irondragon Forge ClayWorks]

Anvils a Beginners Guide is a sticky in this section. If you can't find someone to go with you it will help with deciding if you go alone and may give you some info for haggling room. If you edit your profile to show your location, you may be surprised how many members are close to you that may be willing to help. Did the seller say how much it weighs and how much is the asking price?

[MC Hammer]

I too would ask one of your husbands blacksmithing buddies to go with you to look at the anvil.  Stuff like ring sound and rebound need to be tested.  You sound like the very best of wives to do this for your husband, so let the surprise from him be real by getting a great anvil that someone with knowledge has inspected with you.  Pictures would be helpful as we could at least tell you if it looked good.  

[kyforgerwife]

Yes I know the weight and the price. I just want to make sure it is in fact a Hay Budden. I'm a pretty quick study and have been paying close attention to all I have read and watched but I am also not delusional in what I dont know.

 I will read through the Beginers section. Thank you very much.

MC Hammer, thanks. I have been taught how to test the ring and rebound thank goodness.

We have only lived where we live for a month so still haven't really had time to find the like minded or other Smith's very well. But I will look into seeing if I can find a group or someone local. The anvil is 2hrs away from where we are but if it is what it seems to be it is worth the drive imo.

 Thomas power thank you!

[Frosty]

Welcome aboard kyforgerwife!  If you'll put your general location in the header I'm SURE lots of blacksmiths with wives who complain about how many blacksmithing tools and metal stock they have will come a visiting!   Seriously there are forum members all over the world some within visiting distance I'm sure and we're a helpful bunch. 

Is there a picture you can link us to so we can take a look? We'll be honored to help as much as we can, you're a keeper and we don't want that lucky dog of a husband of yours to receive less than you intend. 

Tell him Frosty The Lucky. Welcomes him to the lucky dog club. 

Frosty The Lucky.

[Cedar Crest Forge]

Interesting scenario. I will share a few random thoughts, for what they are worth:

If you have a modern cellphone, you can use whatsapp or facetime to share live video with an anvil expert. I am sure that there are a few experts on here that would receive a call.

If the anvil was listed on craigslist, in a major city, and is still around, it may be overpriced, or junk, or maybe both.

If it is an expensive anvil , and your husband didn't specifically request a Hay Budden, then also consider getting a quality new anvil (with a warranty ... and maybe a return policy?).

An over 20$ vetting rule..cool idea!

 

 

 

[C-1ToolSteel]

If you have some pictures to show us, that would help. I’m a bit of a Hay Budden nerd, and I can usually identify them by their distinct shape (though the earlier ones can be harder to tell). As far as logos go, pretty much all Hay Buddens should have the same logo with the small exception of the ones that were branded under other stores’ names. Also keep in mind that logos on the side (like on my Hay Budden) are in many cases illegible from years of use/rust. Sometimes the serial number (located on front of foot, under the horn) survives longer than the logo and can also be used for identification. As Mr. Powers said, the depression under the base is a good way to tell. 

One more thought... Hay Buddens became famous for their excellent quality when they started (around 1908) making them with solid steel from the waist up, so the earlier ones, though great anvils, don’t actually have anything more special about them than any other good anvil brand. You can tell the older ones apart by the line (roughly 1/2” below the face) where the steel faceplate ends.

Hope this helps, and good luck with this most excellent endeavor!