Paragon (Soderfors) Anvil?

[CWendling]

Ive read what I could find online, but had never heard of these. Supposed to be good quality anvils. Friend found one that guy wants $350 for, its #160.Seems to be in pretty decent shape, other than the one spot on the edge....what do yall think? Friend says top is dead flat. Have to tell him by the morning

 

[Burton Harruff]

Looks pretty good from here.

 

[Wulf]

Soderfors anvils are great. They're cast steel (as opposed to the more common wrought body with welded steel face construction) and extremely well made. This one is in pretty decent condition although the edges do show some wear. Offer $300 and if he counters you, move to $320. Tell him the collectors won't want it because of the rust and with those worked edges $2/lb is more than fair.

Oh, one last thing - I did read somewhere that the later Paragons weren't quite as good as the old school Soderfors from back in the day, so check the anvil's rebound and make sure its good and consistent across the face.

 

[CWendling]

Wulf,I have no way of looking at it beforehand. Friend found it, sent the pics, and will bring it back for me if I want. Made in 1926. That was sorta what I was thinking...$300. How come I never find these deals where they just want it hauled away? ha

 

[C.Edmondson]

I have a 200lbs soderfer, and I love it! Damn good anvils, Id buy it if I where you

 

[silver_pilate]

Looks good. It's hard to tell from the pics, but it doesn't look to have much sway. Even if it does, I know makers who like a sway-backed anvil. The edges hare a littel rough in the meat of the mass, but you can create a hardie tool with various edge radiuses to use for plunges and the like, and the heel of the anvil looks to be in good shape.

Good price, too.

--nathan

 

[Miles Undercut]

I have a slightly smaller one of these from about the same era. Fabulous anvil. You are stealing it at the asking price in my opinion.