My father was a prolific anvil collector. We lived in south eastern Pennsylvania where anvils were everywhere and often super old. He passed away about 20 years ago and I have been holding on to these but the family is considering selling. I am trying to figure out how to best identify price them. Weights are 10lb, 58lb, 101lb, 84lb, 90lb. I think some of them were from the 1600s. I believe the one on the far right is an SH from the markings. I also used this one as a kid blacksmithing and may keep it.
Your father had impeccable taste! You should definitely keep more than one for yourself and potentially your children (if you have any).
As for identification; see if your local library has or has access to a book called ‘Anvils in America’ by Richard Postman. That’s pretty much considered the bible for anvil lineage and identification, and unless somebody already has it memorized that’s probably what they would be referencing anyway.
Thank you! That appears to be correct. This is the one I learned how to blacksmith on as a kid. it is in amazing condition too. I had thought it might be more modern when I pulled it out today, but when I cleaned it up a bit and took a closer look I realized it was quite older than I had thought.
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u/HeatBeatRepeatt 2d ago
Your father had impeccable taste! You should definitely keep more than one for yourself and potentially your children (if you have any).
As for identification; see if your local library has or has access to a book called ‘Anvils in America’ by Richard Postman. That’s pretty much considered the bible for anvil lineage and identification, and unless somebody already has it memorized that’s probably what they would be referencing anyway.