new anvil

[MarkJeffrey]

I just picked up another anvil the other day and was wondering what the square punch holes on the sides are from, I'm assuming its from when they are made but I cant figure that one out. Thanks!

 

[Brian Ayres]

They are handling holes. It allows the tongs to grip the anvil when it's being made.

That is a nice anvil.

 

[Storm Crow]

If you're talking about all the little pockmarks, some smiths would test the temper on chisels or punches that they made on the soft wrought iron body of their anvils. I've seen it before.

The big square holes in the waist and/or feet of an anvil would be porter bar holes, like Brian said.

 

[SinePari]

If you're talking about all the little pockmarks, some smiths would test the temper on chisels or punches that they made on the soft wrought iron body of their anvils. I've seen it before.

The big square holes in the waist and/or feet of an anvil would be porter bar holes, like Brian said.

in addition to the above two posts, which are spot on...

Regarding the chisel/punch marks I've also been told that this is how a Blacksmith would demonstrate the superior hardness of his tools to customers. Sort of a "wow" factor to the unknowledgeable audience...