peter wright anvil question

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Jul 21, 2016
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How can I determine age and an offer on a peter wright anvil? The markings on it are on the side that says PW 1 0 25 which I am pretty sure it is the weight 140lbs.? On the horn side on the feet it has a what looks like a seven one on the front each foot? Anyone know what that means? There are no dates visible but they may be under a thin layer of paint. I have looked at it for awhile and have not been able to find a date unless the 7s on the feet means anything. This would be my first major score if I can aquire it. I offered the guy a weeks worth of work for it. Seems like that would be a good deal. They are pretty pricey on the inter web. I am just hoping it is from after PW made there changes for the sway problem. It is in great condition the horn is perfect, the table is solid very minor chipping on the edges and yes I put a straight edge on it and it is as flat as the day it rolled off the line. I am not sure of the size of the hearty and it has a pic troll hole if any one can tell me any thing about it .Thanks

Sorry no pictures
Thanks, Martin
 
1 0 25 = 137 pounds.

You may have to look harder, but there is other writing on the anvil above the weight. This will date the anvil better.

Most are in the 1910 and later time frame.

It sounds like it is in superb condition, which would make it easily worth $400-450.
 
Well, for one thing none of those anvils ever "rolled off the line." They were made in batches at most. Before factories really started production line work modes! A better time in many ways.

If you post it over in the "Guru's Den" at Anvilfire.com, you'll probably have crusty old guys scrambling over each other to tell you everything you wanted to know about it. What I know is that the earlier they are, the more stocky and similar to the olde "London Pattern" you see in Mousehole anvils. The newer Peter Wrights tended a bit more toward the modern American Pattern, with longer snout and heel and slimmer waist, although they certainly never attained the whippet-like lines of say, a Trenton.
I've owned a couple, my current shop anvil is a 172# PW and I'll never sell it. Great anvil. I doubt you'll ever cause any sway in that top, if it's not already there. It would take decades of whaling on it with a big sledge to do that.
Hope you get it!
 
Look close at its hardface, you mentioned its very flat condition.
Thats suspicious of it being " trued up" under misguided reason.
Its easy to see a line between hardface & iron body. Then recognise if that hardface is uniform thickness what should be around 5/16" or more.

If its not molested & very good shape, easily 400 plus $.
 
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