My uncle gave me an anvil... Never seen one like it

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psycho78

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Jun 17, 2006
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I'm a younger guy, and my uncle knows I'm interested in knifemaking. He told me that he had an anvil that he'd give me....IF I could pick it up and haul it off. He said the thing weighed a few hundred pounds, and it was all mine if I'd just come get it.

I visited him yesterday, and had a chance to actually see the anvil he spoke of. I asked him where it was on his property, and he told me to walk up the driveway, look to my left and I couldnt miss it. I took off walking, and there under this big shade tree was a monster of an anvil.:eek:

He was not kidding when he told me it was huge. It didnt look like a traditional anvil with a horn. This anvil was large and rectangular. It had a company name stamped on the side, but I couldnt make it out. The face was probably over 2 feet long, and maybe 9-10 inches wide. The hardie hole was large, maybe an inch and a half. I'm a big strong guy who lifts weights regularly, and I could barely tilt it to try and read the name. I predict this anvil to be 200+ pounds. Wouldnt surprise me if it was close to, or exceeded 300lbs.

Unfortunately I didnt have my camera, but I drew the thing as best I could remember in MS Paint.

Can anyone tell me what type of anvil this is, and if it's good for knife work? How would I mount this beast?

0anvil.jpg
 
Sounds like a bridge anvil. If I'm not mistaken they were generally used by Sawyers. Sounds like a FANTASTIC find. I know some of the sword guys will be jealous. I know one who would LOVE to have a 2 foot long working face.

Congrats!

Now get a camera and get some pics!

-d
 
Yes,sounds a bridge of flat anvil to me,too.My regular anvil sits on a 400 pound flat anvil.It takes two BIG guys to move it.They were used in sheet metal work and for trades where large flat surfaces were worked.Mine has a lot of holes (like hardy holes) in it for pins and jigs to do scroll work.Make a base from 6X6,or 8X8 timbers bolted together with thread-all rod.Multiple layers can be made,depending on the height you require.
Stacy
 
Thanks fellas! After some searching I found a picture of an anvil that looks pretty much exactly like the one under that big shade tree at my uncles. This one says it's 300lbs, and I believe the one that I have weighs every bit of that.

0anvil2.jpg


As I recall there's nothing really the matter with this big guy. I did notice a pretty decent sized chunk taken out near the back corner on the face, but the thing is so long that it seems insignificant. The face is pretty flat and smooth. Who knows how long it's been sitting there...it's growing some moss on it...lol.:D

When I travel back up there next time I will take my digital camera with me and take some pics for you guys. Now I have to get my "little" brother to help me load it.:p


Edit: Found this on another forum: "There is a type of anvil known as a "bridge anvil" because it is a large arched shape. The dimension you give fit one of these. These were common in the oil fields and are found in the western oil states such as Oklahoma, Texas and California."

My uncle said he found it near an old oil rig. Neat!
 
I don't forge, except to make the occasional tool, etc., but I wouldn't mind having one like that. It's nice.:D :cool: :thumbup:
 
There was a brand new one of these when I did my Intro course down in Washington. I remember two things -
1) It was red and heavy.
2) It rang so sharply and LOUD that it truly hurt my ears. I mean it was painful!
So, somebody still makes them. I just can't remember the name on it.
 
Maybe it rings so loud because of the arch? Like the sound is not absorbed by the base in the middle because theres an open space there?
 
Looks like a perfect anvil for knife making...Congratulations on the new addition! If you don't like the loud ring, sometimes it helps to put a large magnet on the side where it's not in the way....Happy Hammering!:D :D
 
Thanks guys....I had planned on doing stock removal primarily....but now that this big boy is in my posession I might have to put it to work and try my hand at forging.

I'll get some pics real soon:thumbup:
 
Sweet anvil! :thumbup:

Oh yeah; by the way, you WILL be pounding some steel on that thing soon enough. Just knowing that awesome anvil is in your shop will haunt you, if you don't start smackin on it! :D
 
Jerry Fisk has commented on loving his bridge anvil. It looks good for bladesmithing, but not necessarily "ideal" with all its unsupported sections.

John
 
To combat the unsupported sections and to deaden the loud ring, do you think it would be a good idea to maybe wedge a big chunk of wood or something in the open archway?

Excuse me if that idea sounds crazy. I have never hit an anvil with a hammer before in my life, and i dont know how that might affect the anvil's performance, but it just seemed like a good idea.
 
Hey Folks, this is my first post. Referring to the Bridge Anvil, a friend of mine gave me a Bridge Anvil made by Altens Foundry and Machine Works. It weighs around 350 lbs. He drilled oil and water wells and used it to sharpen the drills. It is chipped in several places and I am not sure what it is made of or if the face is hardened steel. I have not had a chance to clean it up yet but I am anxious to use it. Any idea what to do to smooth out the face?

Steve
 
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