Mystery anvil for sale

PIndelicato

PIndelicato

Joined
Sep 16, 2002
Messages
1,577
I found an anvil for sale and wanted to see if anyone had thoughts on what it was and/or its value. It's light green in color (could just be painted?), the seller states that it's 'about 150 lbs' and has '208' cast into one side and 'ILL
and then another I but very faintly' on the other side. He says he's had it for many years. Also, the face has lots of small dents in it...how much does this affect both its value and also its usefulness?

Thanks for any input you can provide!
 
I apologize for the poor thread title, it makes it sound like I'm selling something. If there is a way to edit a title (or if a moderator could), please let me know.
 
Pictures would help. Small may need to be ground out. What is the asking price, if it is under $2/lb it might be a good deal. Does it ring or is there a good rebound? If it rings it is most likely a good anvil. The rebound is the most important issue. I have a no ring anvil with a 95% rebound. I would rather not have on that rings myself, gives me a headache. The rest can be dealt with later.
 
Asking price is $400 obo, I haven't seen it in person yet as it's a bit of a drive and wasn't sure if it would be worthwhile. Is the number 208 cast in the side equal to its weight?

I haven't had much luck posting pics, but I'll give it another try:

Anvil3.jpg


Anvil2.jpg


Anvil1.jpg
 
Ask him if it rings when struck. If so it would be worth the drive if not it's up to you. As far as the 208 goes it could be weight but may also be a casting #. If it had a name or symbol it would be better.
 
I would pass on it.. It is obvious from the edge on shot that the top of the anvil is not flat..(I have 2 in this condition). For $400 you could do a lot better imho..
 
It's really not in too bad a shape but $400 might be a little steep. But then how much is an anvil really worth. I have a 250# european style and a 200# post anvil so I don't need one. If you really need one $400 might not be too bad of a price. A new import that size will cost you a lot more.
 
Mousehole anvil from Great Britan comes to mind by the shape. Does it have square tapered holes under the horn heel of the anvil? That shoud indicate a wrought iron body and not cast in my opinion.

I have a old Mousehole anvil, face is well used but not that bad.
It is used when we have a hammerin.
 
Hmm, not sure what to do. I'm not desperate for an anvil, but I've kept an eye out for a while and this is the first I've seen. I'm also considering going the route of a piece of scrap steel as a makeshift anvil.

Maybe I'll just keep looking around and be patient unless someone recognizes this particular piece as something desirable and/or as a strong value...
 
I second the $250 offer. It looks serviceable. A little cleanup ( strip that ugly paint off) and face grinding wouldn't hurt, but it could be used as is. Tell the owner that ,given the condition and cost of resurfacing the top, you will offer $250. If you get a yes or a $300 counter, take it. If not, pass it up (leave your number with him, he might call you back is a month if it doesn't sell).

You could take it to a machine shop and have the face milled easily.

BTW, that hardie flat block is useful for striking the set back when shaping the tang at the ricasso ( and similar notching tasks). It saves the anvil edge from wear.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top