My 1st Anvil

[gudspelr]

I've been slowly getting stuff together so I can start making some knives and its been hard to find an anvil.  I'd just about settled for something make-shift when I found this for sale nearby.  It's an ACME 100# anvil from who knows how long ago.  Guy I got it from said it was found under a building up in Idaho City along with another one and some miscellaneous tools.  He also threw in the stand he had made for it out of 2x4's, all for $120.00.  First one's kinda blurry...

 


The horn has quite a few dings in it that I plan on trying to work out.

 


The edges were pretty rough.

 
 


The face was really smooth, though-no noticeable dings at all.

 

Already started dressing the edges up a bit.


Anyone know much about these anvils?  It looks like it has some kind of serial number on it-would be interesting if there was any way to get some history on it.  Is this an anvil with a welded face plate on top of a cast body (there's a noticeable line all the way around).

Anyway, just thought I'd share, I'm a bit excited   .


Jeremy

[kuch]

Good deal for $120, yes appears to be welded face plate. There's a good book : anvils  in america

[Lin Rhea]

If you can give me the entire ser number, I can probably tell you a little about it. Lin

[gudspelr]

Thanks Lin-I think it reads:

A150513


Jeremy

[Doug Campbell]

Congrats Jeremy, looks like a great find and great price. I've seen plenty in a lot rougher shape than that, should make a real good first anvil. Doug

[Ragnarok Forge]

Jeremy,

That will make a good first anvil.  Definately dress those edges.  It sounds like you are getting close to being able to forge in your own shop.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Jeremy,

That will make a good first anvil.  Definately dress those edges.  It sounds like you are getting close to being able to forge in your own shop.

[Lin Rhea]

Jeremy,
        I looked in our book "Anvils in America" by Richard Postman.
The ser # is probably on the foot under the horn on the left side. The ACME anvil was made by the Hay-Budden company out of Brooklyn, NY. This anvil was made in 1919. The demensions for a 100 lb anvil is listed as :

face 3 5/8 X 13 1/2
horn 9 inches
hardie hole 3/4 inch
pritchel hole 7/16

I have a 128 lb Hay-Budden that I will not part with. They are the cadillac of anvils. It is a wrought body with a steel plate top. Yours needs some dressing around the edges, but I would not be too aggressive with that. I recommend just dressing a section you favor using and minimal at that. You'll notice the forge weld in th enarrowest part of the waist where the top and bottom were welded. See the hammer blows of the men dressing the weld? One in good shape will bring 3 or 4 times what you paid. Your horn is in pretty good shape. Over all yours was abused sometime in the past, but is still worthy of care and use. I think you got a good buy. Then again, I love old anvils.

[gudspelr]

Thanks for the info, Lin, really interesting.  And you're right, the serial #'s on the foot under the horn.  I was a bit torn, wanting to finish getting the odds and ends for my forge.  But when I saw the anvil (and I've had a heck of a time finding ANY), I thought it might be worth spending my saved money on it.  At least when I get a little more, the forge bits are all available at stores, unlike older anvils.  And you're right, Clay, I'm getting closer.  Oh, and I may be able to blame some of the growing addiction on you....      


Jeremy

[Cody D Works]

Jeremy,
I got lucky today! one of the guys i work with has an anvil! even though the horn has the tip knocked off. Cant wait to get it. Turns out one of my GOOD friends has a forge... that they converted into a bbq.... I wanted to cry.

[gudspelr]

That's awesome, Cody.  It took me quite a while to find an old used anvil-that's great you can get one from your friend.  I'm a firm believer in making do with what I can get my hands on, but sounds like this was a good deal and yours is even better   .  Good luck and good job on your knife-just read your other post.

Jeremy

[Toecutter]

Congratulations!!.  Just got my first anvil on thursday. Looks like the stars aligned for both of us.    

Nathan