Small anvil for .... what ??

[RedVise]

Picked up this little guy after work yesterday.
Tried searching for jewelers anvil and tinsmiths anvil and small anvils with hardy holes, ect. No matched.
Is this a working anvil, certainly looks like it should be.
Dont think a paperweight would have the hardy holes.
Possibly a salesman's sample ?

Tell me what you think !

Brian

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I'm going to guess that it was made from a piece of rail road or other type of rail. Most that I've seen were flame cut and just used for small hammering. But I've seen a couple that looked great at auction (wish I had bid on them). Looks like the fellow who made yours had a lot of time and talent.

I have one about the same size, but it was flame cut. It's all I'll ever need, as I would never hammer on a vise anvil.

How much did you pay for yours?

 

[RedVise]

How much did you pay for yours?

10 pieces = $10

Turned out I bought big MAC vise from him at his shop last year also.

Brian

 

[jakemac]

Looks handmade from light cart or carnival ride rail. Well crafted.
Possibly for hobby work, jewelry, or light onsite repair work ?
I doubt it was mass produced.

 

[thehorse13]

That is railroad iron for sure. People make anvils from them because the material is cheap and easily found. Anvils can be extremely expensive.

It was likely used for light metal smithing.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Red:
You got a great deal!

Here's one that went for $50 at an auction near me, last year. I stopped at $35.

 

[G-ManBart]

10 pieces = $10

Turned out I bought big MAC vise from him at his shop last year also.

Brian

That's a steal! I have several "real" anvils now, and I'd still grab that one for $20 or so if I found it at an estate sale. There's clearly a lot of time into it since it's got a lot more detail than most you find.

 

[RedVise]

Red:
You got a great deal!

Here's one that went for $50 at an auction near me, last year. I stopped at $35.

You guys need to look at the second picture where I have a rule next to it, this is a small vise.

 

[bluebolt]

That's a very nice little anvil made from railroad rail. A little cleaning and polishing and it would bring over $100 on Ebay.

For $10 YOU ****!

 

[davethorik]

Might be made of mining cart rail. I just helped demo a house and whomever built it must have had access to a lot of it, pieces all over the place in the basement walls. About 2/3 size of railroad track.

 

[G-ManBart]

That's a very nice little anvil made from railroad rail. A little cleaning and polishing and it would bring over $100 on Ebay.

For $10 YOU ****!

I think he got it for $1! I think it was 10 pieces for $10

 

[Voi]

Might be made of mining cart rail.

I've never seen mining cart rail is wide as a boxwood ruler as in the second picture. But maybe I haven't looked close enough or there are larger grades. Might have to take a closer look next time I find some.

I would have bought that for $10.

 

[Slackmaster G]

Railway anvil for sure

 

[RedVise]

Thanks for the interest, here is the little anvil next to a piece of RR track.
Also a pic showing width of 1 1/8".

Brian