I've been offered an anvil with the markings Lincoln E 50, it seems like it's cast and 50 most likely refers to 50kg. 

I'd like to know if these are good anvils, since I haven't been able to find anything about Lincoln anvils. 

Thanks for your time. 

Quartz, if you have some pictures of the anvil you could share it may help others provide you with more information.

Frazer, I'm afraid I couldn't make a photo, but I can describe it further. 

It had a horn and a tapered section on the other side of the face. Had a hardy hole of about 2cm and a pritchel hole, both centered. The surface of the metal was rough all around. 

It had a square stud below to attach it. 

It is in Spain, so I guess the E in the markings might be for España. 

Never heard of that brand before; however try the ring test and ball bearing test.  If they "pass" then it's a good anvil no matter who made it. If they fail then not a good anvil even if plated with platinum and studded with diamonds.  (I rate the ball bearing test percentages as: 70's OK; 80's Good and 90's excellent!)

Unfortunately I didn't have a bearing ball to test it, I'll see if I can find one before I see it again. 

And about the ring test, I did test how it sounded but wasn't sure how to interpret it. 

Being a one piece cast anvil, would there be a noticeable diference between cast iron and cast steel? I thought the ring test was mostly to check if the face was properly attached. 

Yes there is a HUGE difference between cast iron and cast steel!

I'd describe the ring as long and high pitched

Sustain and loudness is much greater for cast steel anvils than cast iron anvils Cast Steel goes "TIIIIIIIING"!  Cast Iron goes "thwap".

Note this is based on the anvils not being fastened down and muted as you can (and should) quiet a cast steel anvil down.

Many thanks, by now I'm fairly convinced that it's a cast steel anvil. At 5€/Kg / 2$/Lb and being in good shape I'll consider buying it