View Full Version : The Official Anvil Thread
Bailey Guns
09-10-2017, 15:53
I don't know why but I've recently developed an interest in old anvils. Probably because of the historical link anvils had to the "shaping" of our country. I've just now started to learn about them so I don't know much...other than they can be REALLY expensive.
So, I found this one on CL for a song. It was being sold by an old farrier along with a bunch of horse-shoeing and leather working tools and accessories. I picked it up today and cleaned it a little bit.
It's a Vulcan #6 (60 pounds) made by the Illinois Iron & Bolt Co. I can't find a date on this one. It's not in the greatest shape but I like the looks of it. And for the price it was a no-brainer.
If anyone can shed some light on this, especially a date range for when it was made, I'd be very interested to know that.
https://i.imgur.com/aRY9b8J.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/RkXONxd.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/XnFnprn.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/QTTE7EM.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/XKvqW5A.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/0Bgdbgx.jpg?1
Bailey Guns
09-10-2017, 18:21
Found a date: 1942
I'd love to have a real one, but don't really "need" one or have a place to put it. Closest I come to it is a piece of RR track I found. At least it was sawn off nice and clean and square, not torched off. Works GREAT for whacking my bullet puller on, so I keep it next to my reloading bench. But it's not as hard as a real anvil, AFAIK.
Of course, the site isn't accepting photos from my phone again.....
Grant H.
09-10-2017, 18:56
This is cool. I've sort of gotten interested in this stuff with getting into smelting and forging things. I've been watching a lot of the videos that Alec Steele posts on YT.
I'll have to go get pictures of the anvil my mom has for shoeing horses.
My other interest has been big, old, American vices. I got one from my wife's estate, and it has been awesome for working on projects in the garage. So much better than the shitty little craftsman vises that so many have...
Bailey Guns
09-10-2017, 19:14
RR track makes a good anvil, rondog. There are some pretty good YT videos of guys making traditional looking anvils out of RR track sections.
Yeah...vises are cool, too. I have two of them...both cheap ones. I think my big 6" vise is a HF. It works fine for what I need it to do. And I have a smaller one I use a lot for gun work. I'd sure like to get inside some of the old barns and other outbuildings on some of the farms around here. Many of them are from the 1800s and I can only imagine what's been lost under the stuff accumulated over the years.
My other interest has been big, old, American vices. I got one from my wife's estate, and it has been awesome.....
I already have plenty of vices.....and a few are awesome.....[Coffee]
I didn't take great pictures of this, but I can get better photos if anyone is interested. Please let me know, because it's for sale.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oRRBOnDS8gkbkcUpi7RhyWnYY1ol_n-iwrxO39t_T75edF2rPofboYFZ-dUaEE7sCXsw2c4cGVmpStQqmZlCEOqhnPEMgCis7MeKalz_90V k8pZsSUTdq2W-qRJ8WK17WTXky8FQCF9BqsiWv8wpysE7OwCbyyBrN7xPPQm4KX RC8rIr95wZ4tdjuqKh3z6cC2vZAf7rvp3X2rdzOyefczo-T7v_UW_-clO_BbZ0Xe0g7o7SSlCW5wMITVQJ1IavDvANUjndTiGgB18QOs 9UEocvCYajqPhseMoJ5ltBjkX3BM20zzAWFmabvJjtuGriVSfT WKd_-gPHbOv1uDUu0rjDiQ__I8OykHkg8kuXHpjO6MolOZaKtX-6FYpwLJ5BZlSLCcaPJ3qQ3f6C2EqqH2EjrHdifYwt3hDXYTYRk QN77XL7-KCPBQvLFgWO91rbHL2Wank_rUYBIyTZnHAIQr1toQFprL7WSSS PRobTp4HoyXxn6Bi47jA-gWhJuHJWrriLLoqc6hqkuMgqE6KCLr4yc2rEzRkaWnwExxyEtp OL6269ba2eunLVAR_Y_wUZGTuB8UMcILtOg4AKXp_m9rLoIuOe p73fU4GGstg0rvWY7S_y-j5fgkP6Kr9LiI9CAwFMq6mbnBE4TgrcNkcmZ0G8yUE_FxlT9GC-=w1525-h858-no
encorehunter
11-22-2017, 06:12
Can you get a better photo of the top? She looks in pretty rough shape. I finally got around to getting my forge set up, and would like a little bigger anvil. At the prices of most antiques, I will probably just buy a new one for half the price.
buffalobo
11-22-2017, 07:14
Old/antique anvils typically go for ridiculous prices. Post it in TP and enjoy the frenzy.
If you're unarmed, you are a victim
Bailey Guns
11-22-2017, 07:52
That looks like another Vulcan. Can't tell from the picture what the weight is. It looks like it's in the 60 to 75 pound range...very similar to the one I posted in the OP. From what I've read in "Anvils In America" and other forums Vulcans are considered entry-level type anvils, commonly bought for school use, farms and other lighter duty work. The one I bought was made in 1942 by the Illinois Iron & Bolt Co.
Is there a number or any other markings on it? A lot of Vulcans will have the weight code on the front of the base between the two front feet. It's simple to read...6 = 60, 14 = 140, etc. Also look to see if it's marked "I I & B Co".
I can look it up in my book if you're interested...just post a few clear photos of any markings.
Definitely a Vulcan, has a "25" on the front, under the horn; it's a lot more difficult to see in the photos, but in person it is clear. I'll post pictures later, and will put it into a bigger for sale thread well. Dimensions are 27"Lx13"H. Didn't measure width.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J1S5MJb-AwUZTfFUeYxFP6Yc8PKJZq63Iq70ZmqEDuX3j61bOF2DftzMpC _L3yvAvai8vPEHqFweZz4G9XOYGk1CR8THmXjDx3JNP0hhOg1O o_AcMkVsdMPTkCqOtV3CL48nxwQ8aBqcXzV_yxMVPnGdW56E9f hayfl5mQGjMJutGItLv2bEdp36w7JpacPjBzYvKnZBmmc8mDC8 VloVcy2zR7Dz4OEmedinTqHlnjHEl1IdhTa9a6cEQ2CHeMQcsM nvIV9qQeRHI4hRNqJWvB7ABCx-fjOJ3QRXsIkmrYBQLzXImbjYtzGgEOievngBCiGqARU9_rPlfF UnrHtenzwyVLefxhCRnlNWL_LPYnvPKQeLSzafvVd6rqo4-fBII9VaCxL5WYZktruE3Wau_Sp6sw2uUSkQYVKzuRUJAlLmvoT 1BiHiHUB5HxPMy6AigXAI6i5fceeE7VBqjhn58YXQxy9brIZpa dAtp8jYfXtj3atPt1JNRI8weWaiLBncO44wivblsmG5JfSataJ EE9J11sj0b8Zj8TGzdcQIrU_NJpGXlAQ3LS-JtmvFAYRSVdVUs5XJ0j-5dSgLYGHpTLC3A_EGY2PVyDIGoOBogrQ1IUMD0ECt9KjVjyI8-bTksU4jycerV4PHhsvNrc9NpIxrHL9ASLpL-FE0=w1632-h918-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wX9OKPBIZsjb344DkWmJJjBBMp8tIKFQEWPEeG60KSpl4kqcba tqvREdupjc9JiNBSKXEzLU1_ctq6VXWHZkP74JL5RMoEreWTc9 yCPpI8BQEoGT1KynGmkDBaklreCaUojAlSV0HwXpkifppprXGu Mxn4FS8XevWTddGGjLnW1RygQDTXV_0rirKO0mQ_i2Cx7W7_rr 8Bf_-iXgs-mQ4XVRS6ATYf4mZJd1UhTtGFEsUTL4MvUND76pGxAuZXKFCldV maQqffr_6gWWN0Yiopx2dgpGzD2A32S14o9DRZ-y2MjF7SYrgiR88Xxwy71vItQechssk6IKCaeCUVO4I1id2dPtP USzKPYAgopWrjjy6-9txx-qjaGL_3CmnZl6kqgowLmalUifwaFjrFTN9DTbRPsAEh9h88VxE 7YTAezYNByIYkCmgp7zJPmYQ7jzPtkMhrXZzvvtIC0SDGEEGtP MgN4XTSU3ZJxfJualsYXj7thf75DnG7ChSs_Qtyq6gITPTsAaU-nqQt9AIkBE6ZFuWawM_oV9G_NlsmWIhmIRLaEfBob09dBDAeF9 UDgY7q6D2rOWk1mD6LocfLhSc54RKFAZBIiJuWTz4Bjc64pGwl EPvdaRj5nrudfGrcxZK4-FFJov_PDN2u0Zo8dBoGTaafXzdDUSAbou=w1632-h918-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/WLLc3HRGtVW_m2UfzzI7PZNCd2GcRH5piISqC3QIjlAPLDxKn-qEf-v6R9GkoDC6b9SFiAl3BR7o6wJ7BzrtuhlIqs5U7XEJ0QWewwne wn7YKNjJ20mALXdlUmWxWa_3NN2jV4hu-78LCxVt5sMFnIWgKWaTlf0z8h_IiAc78JofsNNzGz4GhmIpd7H tB0sFZTWNL638XSNBXS2fWAnPikgCINtAfBW5GBwSg0i4xW3wb LuKA8GajUWl2EA2gLA4ZABuofUNYLuQY_fjEUvOLRj6jrP7bAS oOtmrr8rSQzsVS7YqPlen8V-j1B9vEc3n4yPtpZBZKiOBkHGGsGnM5bcWDJDyO3HDcUhaHXwl0 OXmHZhWmlM9sOcqAgJsZW7ijcIojy141vuoWKxCJ-2SJsUHsrZRbiB9d7N68UOvDuE-3gamZkTm-tDzKlzxdFDldkNS0x3zmpN4jimwNCmf3CVlytrE43hz8hNO382 YKFeaM2d4f197-Fcnhmvg5P6kngvfzaEqxe0AxO2NeK2E8HY1Ab4AXItB-ko5PLX1ZY7NowL4-FUapeM3TbLToaZcdVn-t_PN45QDa87GVyEbDuXB1wc-3-mLhS7hYihC2c3txwFM2-ijwtKeCmT3UVF30xCMav8rUJ9QMwRnH0m008-oOT2zvwla0aaF=w1632-h918-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Qv_Kia84-FllOXaeRg67Uo34tEckbqHEEdQdYZd-jrs8ojkZ8zMuV0qLaGp0XkUrbwZYse7PtmWxBGV1FVqvtl48up YvuIEhxEdmAsXRF-ZCJ8NRiQaj2QilSfVXxjKdKGdv6n61UO6oV9gDJxCnEph3tRHY FeuYTu-TrFyEpvZ4spVQl6byLQf3MTz0wStXB1FsHWsCt9SR21H6t0YPy 9aOPNkRVHeqlw7Q09ZaIOdYaJ2Dxpm8ixSZ64Jfvrij2o_PeSN ohAwvrT-VFiNt_sJHOLJYSE-1qjjhvzzT8KdM5bsMJsbShwpfgXKgJ7d-dllPFKJl9GXW2_fP6rQBUbJxb8mWgFfWiyZ0W9NB5bm8eyVGJx NC4Ni-U8yR0MPb-YfzPKv1_uhUOtCO5Tb9vdA3fNfGUdHeQ_wX30NAbbjOZZXalEv s3z-rrIS9i4hIPq3ZAJTjDM8NkX7SFoVXsuzTl_OYyeGukLX7_vJMk Quc1sBjRDBodtrtdV7-g631Ys0hDKa92rnnRZrSYOpMaTXRpRmD2oaUXz4bDj32T-yQQXjknyNnjrO9Jp8_sCNgPRPQwhVY7aAwjqXphDBJHp56fw2m nGnaMuJ7GaiGwhQggSlGEEdPIvIkKJcOxgG_zh8boLHJ2c9UaR MAFWDhrUgzSmGBiSnmP8pq=w1632-h918-no
Since this thread may bleed into blacksmithing, does anyone (encorehunter?) know if this is indeed a forge? Looks like a blower on the right side there.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZJzOctBt3CAEV-R1eWsB-09vgkeCbNM-Id0t1BbqrYfPZbtDgpMioig6G8QSrDSiYTSZ1AFcGvlIcxLIsb ONBj5jYUKFixO7Xe_8-JsQYw9jvpQUU18bfBBV2nzFtbxdNzHu6znXKm8MUK39pRAED0X _SImjhW2y-wSfc4lDefXqj3TrLvln0JoF_A8FZlt0ltPsKozf3Gw-NDaO1ewxlEdCXGYaYIfKuLtI2Vg5LKjnQxKxdFoqMjijPrxNTb T2qjowpJoRcfYwFD8VMrYQepEWDVttUvQw7jSlHPe-uy4ZO-ot6gfaY0Nrg9et4h764XEb4TdZ4mWGXl8CQFqqySOHhsk9fV-USsXN4-OsIXLlJEO0Qr6Jro9oi1_67-OMNHdPTWFy0k8ySJEiB3fHlQfMzvgE5I7jzT_v0uNzme0AZQUu plbPgFAcjnqMX2HU50T371dqewQiIIoCDZtfG1n0sQJDqi1vQH 7pjbtm4LlrUOI9l4ofkDjOsKxQvFlBs-dSIbNNdt5pfDCnbIk1xwMmFvFWAM7Ay8iX7Sxr1JoAiVFRf7GS Mw2_TafJDPV_uTjde7cm-e-e_IrbW1OjrPLK_ZUYEUGhAZjWTuOyExymb-wMvtl9Ctzh-oGUa82KxXfi394dnEDhdn4daAGkLV7KOf5zd46n6kVQ=w1632-h918-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ESb88O5ljMQ_TQzugIJOWrF0-3kba9JYWPALOeyt5UauGd9vuAqqnk5dIccdIwhg6tMt1Qi2-lwnOeVs8xB__3nDu0qrM7HJX1QLQEK0PWlwIAM5jWoVx03lM58 z6cboX67kZ_4ngCI2JVORHAYpcvu-__rcui3NTY9un-3iJRLWepT7DvidntBy8pkGoEzE2ZNYEXF-5v_wPJV1xnJkjpr0d-4JJ9vIMmfpQx6LSYhL8Wam6dpjOtVsntK_FFan2Vpe6eDinTWT g8P24oSzONWUr3IDXg3rVXVEuFUUJjj42UK7f1qhPPCb5wF8mu OblpkbwdRCvjQo-6lFNPJg7RpfnXfiIq5ydVqRMa1DN5Qmg3Onc2h9Uz0w5oYXrOe BabER-prS4VqdinI_zSWCOGv-pUONXy1bRGUGXsRro6A74LgJrcDDIaUa4_f3AkZzTm4xUB_0mE vkGwqwYwDZTzqZDjY9kkawW8O0UKsi9cijQWfCbsbE5R8buaAW ousqY0iyUzHkX77mLgj0yS_Hoc58j9PxIDiF6kEFhrb4Og0nUv-KdBFIquHE2VWxWO28IfH79ToJyCUW0iuXp_sktjnx5gCLHexwn sauFTBqtPbdE0-dQMaJhJPNAmgwJpqxvVkcqVT7s4IfMCMn97xvJwboGFgcY1WL3 FFk=w1632-h918-no
Great-Kazoo
11-22-2017, 13:48
Can you get a better photo of the top? She looks in pretty rough shape. I finally got around to getting my forge set up, and would like a little bigger anvil. At the prices of most antiques, I will probably just buy a new one for half the price.
It looks well used, however looking at it yesterday up close. It's worth a few $$
Bailey Guns
11-22-2017, 19:39
Wow! That's a big sucker if it's 250 pounds. But the dimensions in the Vulcan catalogs are right on with what you said: H = 13", L = 27 1/4".
Aside from the chips out of the edges, the top doesn't look too bad. Vulcans have pretty thin faces (the top part). The edges can be welded and repaired easily enough. Hard to say what vintage that one is without seeing what is says at the bottom of the circle under the arm & hammer.
Could be worth quite a bit, though, even in that condition.
72625
encorehunter
11-23-2017, 07:45
That looks more like a kiln to me, but could easily be a forge. It looks like it is hooked up to gas and a blower. With all the metal equipment, I would bet it is something used for heat treating.
Unsuccessful
04-12-2018, 18:02
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/07c0e302680f1c1cc5c1ad4df45c3d18.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180412/171f579b3f84e41f36af24044250246f.jpg
This was my great grandfathers. Made it all the way to Oregon in a covered wagon. My dad got it back to CO and I am fixing the chips with hard surface.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Bailey Guns
04-12-2018, 18:25
This was my great grandfathers. Made it all the way to Oregon in a covered wagon. My dad got it back to CO and I am fixing the chips with hard surface.
That is fantastic. The story is as good as the anvil.
encorehunter
05-27-2018, 12:50
I picked up a 137lb Peter Wright anvil and a 150lb Vulcan yesterday. I have been playing this morning. The Wright has a heck of a ring to it. The Vulcan has a solid thunk to it. I haven't figured out the pictures from my phone yet, but I'll try and post some later.
Bailey Guns
05-27-2018, 15:03
That sounds like a couple of nice scores. Can't wait to see pics!
https://youtu.be/f5U63IGmy6Q
Bailey Guns
06-03-2018, 06:29
Where in the hell does a guy get that much mercury?
68Charger
06-03-2018, 11:10
Where in the hell does a guy get that much mercury?
I was wondering that myself, then I found one of his other videos.
https://youtu.be/2pMAfEPEHbI
https://s22.postimg.cc/3rw9gp559/Anvil_Welded_Stand.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/3rw9gp559/)
150lb Peter Wright. Picture taken after welding up the stand. Drilled/tapped blind holes, bolted to the plate. Filled the legs with sand, has a nice clunk to it.
Built a forge using a Chile Forge 1" burner. Just figuring this all out. Made a few tools so far, Hardie hole hot cutoff, tongs... Forged some simple things, leafs.... Good friend who forges straight razors schooled me on forge welding. Will attempt to forge a tomahawk soon. Fold over/forge weld mild steel, forge weld a 1095 bit for the cutting edge.
Hardie hole hot cut off I forged, when just about finished. Made from a piece 1 1/8 Jeep axle shaft.
https://s22.postimg.cc/587rz42zx/IMG_2407.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/587rz42zx/)
Picked up this 5" leg vice shortly after the anvil. Cleaned it up, works great. Very cool using tools this old!
https://s22.postimg.cc/9lawv83od/IMG_2404.jpg (https://postimg.cc/image/9lawv83od/)
Bailey Guns
06-03-2018, 20:11
Dude...that's a kickass anvil. I have anvil envy.
Bailey Guns
07-02-2018, 21:37
The 155 lb Trenton anvil I bought in Bonners Ferry. I was on the bike so I have to head back up there later this week to bring it home. Hard to tell in the pic but I'm guessing it's about 20" long. Includes a nice hardy wedge, too:
https://i.imgur.com/c1mstSe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F2ohRfW.jpg
Surface looks good. What are you using your anvils for? Make any projects yet?
Bailey Guns
07-03-2018, 06:34
Pfft... My anvils are like all most of the guns I have. Just fun to look at and fondle once in a while. There's a forge in my future but I haven't gone down that road yet.
StagLefty
07-03-2018, 07:38
^ I'll be looking for you on Forged in Fire [Beer]
Bailey Guns
07-03-2018, 08:13
Don't hold your breath in anticipation...
I was wondering that myself, then I found one of his other videos.
https://youtu.be/2pMAfEPEHbI
Ummm...yeah....high probability of getting dain brammage messing around with mercury.
The 155 lb Trenton anvil I bought in Bonners Ferry. I was on the bike so I have to head back up there later this week to bring it home. Hard to tell in the pic but I'm guessing it's about 20" long. Includes a nice hardy wedge, too:
https://i.imgur.com/c1mstSe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F2ohRfW.jpg
Nice find!
The blacksmith I bought my Anvil from told me the Trenton's are very good, consistent top plate hardening, great rebound. He's been blackmithing for 30+yrs, bought sold countless anvils... He makes his living banging on a 240lb Trenton.
Bailey Guns
07-07-2018, 07:48
I'm back in Bonners Ferry this morning to pick it up. Can't wait to get it home.
Bailey Guns
07-07-2018, 19:36
So, cleaning this thing up I found a weight stamp, 155, and a serial number, A20126. From looking at the book it appears this was made in 1901, possibly as early as 1899. Great ring to it still. I'm happy with it.
68Charger
07-09-2018, 15:09
more fun with anvils:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=187&v=lKjpgCraVGk
That is amazingly fun to watch.
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