Is this anvil worth buying?

[David LaFerney]

It looks well used, but not too broken down - to me. The top is obviously dished, and it has the broken corner of course - but I'm guessing it is not cast iron or it would be worse. What do you think?

It's a yard ornament and I might not be able to buy it - I knocked on the door, but no one was home so I took a couple of pictures. It could be Grandpas heirloom, but then again you don't know if you don't ask.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Depends on the weight and the price. It certainly could be used if cleaned up a bit.

 

[VaughnT]

Certainly a lot of life left in her, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if the price/size was right for me.

The face plate looks almost paper thin now, but that's to be expected since old-timers often sanded the faces down to level them up and get rid of dings. As the anvil stands, it would do you well, and there's no real need to grind/sand it any. The dished face will be more help than hindrance when it comes to straightening blades and the like.

 

[David LaFerney]

Thanks for the input - I guess I'm gonna try again and see what happens.

 

[i4Marc]

If you can get it cheap it will work fine. If you have to pay the "going rate" for anvils I'd keep shopping for something in better condition. There are a lot of anvils out there. Some are in remarkable condition.

 

[Lieblad]

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