Flynn Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 Hi, has anyone come across an anvil marked "E.B.M." before? The markings are on the front and back feet. EBM on the back and 1876 on the front. It is obviously cast and looks to be in the 50 pound range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 Does it have a steel face? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Don't know, all I have is a few pics. I am assuming its an ASO, but it's hard to tell from the photos. So I come to the experts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 Can you get a ball bearing test run on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Nah, it's in an auction that's a few hours away. That's why I'm asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 I'd think a chunk of steel at scrap prices would make a better anvil; 50 pounds is pretty light too. I also don't like auctions. I have an implement auction 2 miles from my house and I don't go to it; TPAAAT is a better way to find anvils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 I am a huge fan of TPAAAT and have had great success with it! I just keep my eye on auctions too, though. I appreciate the advice and information, as always! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 The best buys and scores at auctions that I have had over the years is when there is an odd item that does not fit into the main theme of the auction. For example, when there is a farm auction, preferably at a fairly remote location, which is heavy on farm equipment such as combines and manure spreaders but has an old forge or anvil which has been in a barn for years. Most people are there for the equipment and you may be able to score the outlier, the forge or anvil, for a reasonable amount. Also, it helps to know more about an item and its value than the other people there. I once scored a signed Lincoln document for $350 ( present value around $7k+) because I knew more about historic documents than anyone else present. Many people thought it was a reproduction or a fake but I recognized the Great Seal of the US as authenticating the document. The same is true for blacksmithing equipment. Most auction attendees and auctioneers at a farm auction don't know much about smithing equipment and its value. However, an auction advertised as a blacksmith auction will attract knowledgeable folk and items will go for a higher prices. I usually bring a book to occupy myself while they are selling the things I am not interested in. But, you have to pay attention because they will sometimes jump around among the items. Keep your situational awareness. Finally, don't get caught up in a bidding war. Know what you will pay for and item and drop out if it goes even one dollar over that price. This is not an absolute hard and fast rule but it applies much more often than not. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 19 minutes ago, George N. M. said: I recognized the Great Seal of the US as authenticating the document. The same is true for blacksmithing equipment. I have never once seen the Great Seal of the US on a piece of blacksmithing equipment. Maybe things are different out West. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I've only bought 1 anvil at an auction: It was a going out of business sale of an HVAC company, held on a holiday weekend. Even so it was one of my most expensive anvils per pound: US$150 for a 134# Hey Budden in quite good shape. Only two of us bid on the anvil. (No antique dealers, no "civilians", few business folks because of the holiday weekend; hmm now that I think of it that is a lot like I got my screw press cheap; Business auction where all the folks wanted the NEW tooling for their factories.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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