What's wrong with this anvil???

[Steevo]

Does the horizontal crack/line along the side near the top of this anvil indicate that the forge/weld of the top plate(s) has failed?

A guy wants to trade it to me for something I have for sale, but I don't like the look of that scar along the side.

It is three hours away from me, so I can't just run over there and bounce a ball bearing on it

Also, is that stamping correct for any Peter Wright anvil?

 

[ed_v]

I think it's a defect from when the coyote dropped it off a cliff and missed his target. He should return it back to the ACME Corporation for a refund!


In all seriousness, it looks to me as if the seam around the top plate is breaking free. It might still be worth looking into. Anvils are going for ridiculous prices these days.

Ed

 

[zoomieport]

Steevo,
I hope you are well!
I am by no means an expert, I do own several anvils and follow eBay, for what that's worth... LOL!
As ED V said, prices are kind of shocking these days. I would say the markings are correct, I am not home, so I can't check my copy of Anvils in America, by Richard Postman (GREAT RESOURCE!) so I can't help you with a date right now, I am sure someone will help out.
The crack isn't pretty and a rebound test would be the true test, however, it is a flaw...
On the other hand, it is still not too bad looking, and it is portable and SHIPABLE. I would venture a guess, assuming you have good feedback history on eBay, you could realize $400 to $600, possibly near $700 if you get lucky, not that you plan to sell, just thinking about the value of your trade bait.
As I said, I'm no expert, just my $0.02.
Take Care!
ZOOM