Flynn Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 This is one of those I picked up at an auction, ThomasPowers. It has decent rebound surprisingly, but no markings anywhere on it. It is right at 50 pounds. Any ideas on who might have made it and when? I know it doesn't really matter, but I find the history interesting. The shape of the support under the heel looks pretty unique to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I would be concerned about the amount of the hardened face has been removed by milling/grinding. At least they radiused the edges and a 50 pound anvil is more suited for light use instead of heavy hammering. I would say it's English, but I've been wrong in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 Show the underside of the heel please and does the anvil ring when struck. If there is a bolster under the hardy it may be a Badger or one of the few others that used that to support in an anvil predominately cast iron---why I asked about the ring. Whoever reworked the face may have dropped the value of that anvil by 50%! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnut Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 On 5/8/2021 at 5:36 PM, Irondragon ForgeClay Works said: I would be concerned about the amount of the hardened face has been removed by milling/grinding. That always worries me when looking at old anvils that look perfect on the face. Pnut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 Some types of anvils start with thinner faces than others so what might be a cleanup for one can be total destruction for another. Best not to do it as you can't know what was done to it several owners ago! I had an anvil with fine face pitting from spending 50 years in a unheated shed in Ohio in a swampy area near a stream. I wire brushed the rust off and started using it and not the sweet spot is gleaming and smooth just from hammering hot steel on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted May 10, 2021 Author Share Posted May 10, 2021 Yeah, I knew it was a questionable purchase, but the price was right for the risk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 Very dull "ring" ? What is the ball bearing test results for the face? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted May 10, 2021 Author Share Posted May 10, 2021 It's a dull ring, not much to speak of at all. The ball bearing rebound test is about 60-70% Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 I'm guessing one of the oddball brands of steel faced cast iron anvils. That small it might be good for urban and suburban light duty hobby work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted May 10, 2021 Author Share Posted May 10, 2021 Yep, seems like a decent little one. I appreciate all the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 I'm impressed with all the swages on that baby's base! I'm thinking it looks like a darned useful little anvil, especially for the home hobbyist. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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