DKForge Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 I have begun acquiring anvils as I come across them and now have a William Foster and a Fisher. I am now looking at an old English anvil with no step that is 180lbs based on the stone weight on the side. The seller says though that it doesn't really rebound and he does not believe it has a steel face. I found online where the English anvils in the 1700's and before did not have steel faces and were just forged steel forge welded together. My question... is an old English anvil without a rebound worth buying as a usable anvil? Or is it merely a collectible at this point? Thanks for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt87 Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Considering the things that some people have used and do use as an anvil (cast iron ASOs for a start), I'm sure such an anvil is certainly useable. Whether you want to use it day in day out is another question though -- it was probably made before your great grandfather and not so many anvils survive that amount of time, considering the daily heavy use they often had, the reduction in demand that they experienced in the last century, not to mention the scrap-metal drives during the two world wars... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan P. Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 The seller says though that it doesn't really rebound and he does not believe it has a steel face. I found online where the English anvils in the 1700's and before did not have steel faces and were just forged steel forge welded together. The problem is, with the best will in the world, you simply cannot take anybody's word on the quality of an anvil unless you know for a fact that their opinion is fully qualified (let alone trustworthy?). If you can afford it, buy it. If nothing else it can be used as an upsetting block, or just enjoy it as an antique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messerist Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I have never passed up an opportunity to acquire an anvil. If I could swing it I would buy it. Around here they are just too scarce to pass up. Of course one has to be the final judge considering your financial position and the quality of the anvil. But as has been said on this thread "you can always find a use for it." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacksmith Jim Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Looks like a mouse hole. I ain't no expert though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dablacksmith Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 ide be interested cause it is defenetly old pattern... how much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highlander Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 (edited) its an old old old mousehole. made 1740-1780. I have one very similar minus the chips. Edited January 2, 2009 by highlander Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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