Can anyone tell me anything about this anvil...

Smithy

Smithy

Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
326
I know nothing about anvils. I picked up this anvil (weighs about 60 lbs.) and was hoping that someone can tell me something about it.




What is your opinion of the condition of this anvil? It 'sings' beautifully.

As always, thanks in advance for any help or information you can give.
 
Peter Wright anvils are among the best and most sought after anvils. A little light but attach it to a good base, wire brush the face, and use it!!
 
The numbers (0, 2, 15) translate to 71#. That's a fine looking anvil.

I'm not sure what the "J" represents though. Maybe the forgesmith responsible for this particular anvil?????

-Peter
 
Good piece of kit, and just the right size for a shop. Fasten it to an immovable/heavy base with a nice layer of silicone caulk between it and the stump so it doesn't ring like a bell every time you hit it. The heavy stump, and a solid joint between the two, will make that thing perform like a much heavier anvil.
 
Caulk, or a piece of asphalt shingle works just as well. The old timers used horse poo, which I happen to have in abundance, and I can attest that it works well also.
It's a well used Peter Wright, good old anvil.
One of the best things Peter Ross (Colonial Williamsburg) taught me was that you don't need sharp corners on an anvil- forging isn't about stuff like that, you put that in later.
I do require a good flat, true face, though, and that one looks fine.
It's always good to check new anvil prices in case someone tries to tell you that old anvils are better and charges you more- they're not better, the new cast ones are quite superior, but the old ones work great also.
Not all good anvils ring, but a wrought/hardfaced anvil that doesn't is probably junk.
 
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