Anvil ID (More Pics Added)

Mr. Bad Example

Mr. Bad Example

Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
475
Finally got my anvil out to take some pics. It has some sort of writing on the base but it is pretty much illegible due to rust.

The flat part seems OK--the top of the two back corners appear to have broken off.

I'd guestimate it is around 75 lbs or so. It rings loud and a hammer bounces off it, which is good, I guess. It was my father-in-laws.

Any ideas as to brand and/or age? Thanks!

Michael

Anvil1.jpg


Anvil2.jpg


Anvil3.jpg


Anvil4.jpg

Closeup of writing on front bottom edge after cleanup.

Anvil5.jpg

Looks like this might be writing on the side--hard to tell.

Anvil6.jpg

This "U" is stamped on the underneath by the pritchel hole.

Anvil7.jpg

The base has an indentation.
 
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Thanks. I know the details don't really matter as long as it is servicable--I'm just curious.

Other than perhaps wirebrushing off some of the rust is there anything one should do to maintain this?
 
Yeah - use it! :)

p.s. you could try to do a light charcoal rubbing over the markings to get a better read
 
If you can make out the numbers on the bottom I'll cross reference with my Anvils in America book. Columbus Forge and Iron made Trentons along with about a dozen other name brand anvils. Check for a hollowed out area on the bottom of the anvil in a squared oval shape, this is one of their identifying marks.
 
I'd say it looks a lot like a Trenton. Try cleaning the front and back sides of the anvil. If its a Trenton it will have a rather large diamond shape with Trenton written inside that. On mine the logo is really faint so you need to look real good.
 
Thanks--I will take a pic of the bottom this afternoon and also see if I can't wirebrush off some of the corrosion for a better look at the markings.
 
You are the proud papa of a bouncing baby Trenton:). If I go by the 43931 serial number it was made in 1904. If I use the 143931 number it was made in 1916. Can't tell what the actual serial number is with that "1". Hope this helps.
 
Mike Quesenberry said:
You are the proud papa of a bouncing baby Trenton:). If I go by the 43931 serial number it was made in 1904. If I use the 143931 number it was made in 1916. Can't tell what the actual serial number is with that "1". Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Awesome, Mike, thanks for looking it up! Does it say what the weight is (possibly 102 lbs)?

I am going to knock the rest of the rust off and get it back inside.

I hope to at least get my little two-brick forge fired up soon and try it out.

Thanks again.
 
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Did some studying this morning and yes, 102 is the weight and it was made in 1916. Not sure what the A stands for. The author thinks anvil or Ajax. Glad I could help.
 
glad to hear...I was thinking it looking like more than 75 lbs. I was going to guess 100-120 lbs...I would have overshot.....rats. :p


Great looking anvil - in great shape. Lots you can do with it as-is....but a new/redone top would make it ever nicer.

Dan
 
Thanks again for the info, guys. It is nice to know some of its history, especially given the sentimental value. I hope to pound some hot steel on it soon!

Michael
 
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