Chris P Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 So, I got my first anvil today. Its in pretty rough shape as far as pitting is concern, but other than that its not too bad. I'm a bit curious as to who made it tho. All I can really make out of what is lift of the name is two LLs in about the middle of the side. On the other side its marked 1 2 16, which, If I'm reading that right makes it about a 184lbs+-... Does anyone have any guesses as to the maker. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow if it will make it easier. Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highlander Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 louisville valley village forge william foster those are all i can think of with two Ls in the name. Post pictures and someone will be able to identify it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOS Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 louisville valley village forge william foster Don't forget HILL anvils, not very common, but they pop up from time to time. I second the pic idea. The only way to tell is by seeing the anvil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 Ok, I'll have a pic up tomorrow. Just have to get new batteries for my camera. Thanks guys for your input :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 With the CWT weight stamp that makes it most likely an anvil made in England so drop the US ones from the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 Heres a couple of pics. The lighting isn't that good, and it almost impossible to make out the lettering, but you'll get the idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 That's a nice looking anvil. Has lots of work let in it. At least your and my life time put together anyway plus a little to boot.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 That's a nice looking anvil. Has lots of work let in it. At least your and my life time put together anyway plus a little to boot. Thanks, not bad since all I paid for it was about 6 hours worth of cutting cord wood. I even got some apple cider out of the deal :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Jim Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Looks great :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quenchcrack Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Well, I've never read a book on Anvils, and I know absolute nothing about old anvil marks but I would vote for William Foster. What? Knowing nothing about metallurgy never stopped anyone from giving advice about heat treating so I guess I can venture into the realm of "un-informed opinion", right? Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOS Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Looks identical to my HILL anvil. I'm almost positive that it is. If it is I would put it in the latter 1700's to very early 1800's. I have not been able to find much out about Thomas Hill anvils aside from the fact that he had a shop in Sheffield England. Looks like a nice find :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Anvils in America says that the real early vulcan had II&B for Illinois Iron & Bolt...could your LL be II Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 I'm pretty sure at least one of the letters is an L. The other is hard to make out but it seems the lower leg of an L is still visible. I'm leaning towards the Hill anvil idea, as I did a little research and found pretty detailed pics from one that was for sale in early October. The placement of the weight is the same as mine and there appears to be a roman numeral I above the first L in Hill, which would explain a mark on mine. Here are the Pics, what do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOS Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 I think you should read the for sale add for the same anvil. English Anvil for Sale - Bladesmith's Forum Board It's a hill without a doubt.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 the ones in the book show the weight on the same side as the name also your shelf has a cut on each side tapuring into the horn ...try rubbing some chalk on the side maybe your be able to see more letters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethersin Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 (edited) I know nothing about anvils but have a good eye for detail, and would say that that anvil say's IIL and below it it say's something like ARMING--- can't read anymore.. I might be seeing thing's but that's what i see on it anyway, It look's like a nice anvil though. Edit: Also looks like there could be an I above the L might be wear and tear but look's like an I.. NOS's link is perfect Hope this helps Edited October 28, 2008 by Ethersin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 It's not an II&B; feet are the wrong shape and it's weight stamped in CWT OTOH I rember that some mouseholes are stamped armitage IIRC, wonder if any Hill's are too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 their is a picture on page 74 that shows a Hill Anvil it does look a lot like yours they show with the horn to the right I? HILL BURMINGHAM with the weight on the other side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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