It doesn't matter, what's done is done. Small body of about 6 inches long, including the tail. You did get something valuable. Now I know some (maybe all) of you are going to cringe when I tell you this next part, but you are going to notice it as soon as you see the images, so I may-as-well just say it. . Luckily, the Hay-Budden marking was still visible, so learning more about these little anvil samples was easy. Blacksmith Anvils Book Set: Anvils in America & Mousehole Forge (2 Book Set) Richard Postman. eBay is another option to buy a mousehole anvil. The markings on an anvil will tell you its history if you know how to read it. Jim, I think I know where you're going with the 20'' log idea, and I love it. All Rights Reserved | Website designed by Dandelion Creative Ltd. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The most telltale sign is the distinct company stamp on the side of the anvil. These digits determine the weight of the anvil and can be used to identify its age. ismit_18 (0) 0%. Every genuine mousehole anvil will have 7 words stamped above each other. The weight of these is usually +/- 1 pound when measured on an accurate modern scale. Don't forget that a lot of older anvils had pritchels retrofitted, usual way to determine if original or added is the earlier ones were punched and retrofitted ones were drilledcheck the bottom of the heel for evidence of punching Good score! Before making a purchase, check the details of an item as one link may lead to a promotion that another link doesn't offer. There are some letters stamped on the side, I think it says: S H & M CO, Also, there are some numerals stamped on the foot: 85 | 88 | 8 |. I tried flour, chalk, paper and pencil. Part number 001-D-13655 with NSN 5340012875597 is now in stock. Hello, I picked this anvil up a couple months back. Good luck! Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers. One of the simplest ways you can tell if an anvil is cast or forged is to look for a casting line or handling holes. Those are all potential killers for the anvil's life and value. This may require a shank with some taper for clearance. A Mousehole Anvil is a type of anvil produced by the Mousehole Forge, a water-powered iron forge located in the Rivelin Valley near Sheffield, UK. As a metal detectorist, finding little treasures with signs of corrosion is par for the course. Many blacksmiths have attempted to make their own Mousehole Anvils, but these timeless tools are almost impossible to replicate. Some photos to follow. And sometimes, the traditional eagle mark was replaced with the Fisher name. Before making a purchase, check the details of an item as one link may lead to a promotion that another link doesn't offer. The foot shape makes it look like a late-period M&H Armitage Mousehole, but it could be any of the 100 or so anvil makers from the greater Dudley-Wolverhampton axis west of Birmingham, England. It is approx 4 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches tall. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diggersanddetectors_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diggersanddetectors_com-medrectangle-3-0');Of course, a Google search will uncover several forums. Early iterations of anvils used a wrought iron body and a steel plate for the face. But theres one kind of anvil that stands out in particular: the Mousehole Anvil. YES I see the impression as MITAGE apparently, the AR got worn off, Have Fun! If you would like to ask us about our anvils or the silversmithing techniques we use, you can catch us at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall from 27th 29th July, or at Craft In Focus at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge from 17th- 19th August. it feels like mine in weight (about 115lbs) the farm was bought in the 1880s and i don't know when the anvil was bought (with the farm or after). The London pattern anvil that most people think of is not the end all, be all metal pounding tool. The Cone and Swage Block project suggested by Fred Holder of the Blacksmiths Gazette finally come to fruition. Zoolander. You might want to repost this as a standalone post. Welcome to the madness! In England a bend in a river with a deep spot is known as a mousehole and Mousehole Forge was located at such as spot. As I understand it, Mousehole used the M&H marking from 1820 to 1835 and started adding pritchel holes circa 1830. By So come along and find out what dangers are out there for our shiny friend. NEVER purchase an anvil with a diagonal hole. Kohlswa anvils are a storied Sweden product using the traditional London pattern. Your 2"X8"X24" chunk of steel is one of the best anvils you can have. I got a good price and the seller is a great guy so a new friend to boot! You cannot paste images directly. You don't want to cut metal on the face of the anvil. I'm still at a loss as to the first line, which I know has an L. I've got to admit, this certainly has been a challenge. I have 2 and one is an amazing fly catcher and one is an amazing mouser, but only the ones outside. I think there may be some type of logo underneath the S H & M CO stamping. Lastly, if you think you have a Fisher anvil but need more certainty, reach out theJoshua Kavettat the Fisher and Norris Museum. I may just be grasping at straws now. I'm going out this afternoon to forge with it. Reactions: Zoolander, shoGUNSLINGR, ilostmypswrd and 6 others. I believe the 1820-1835 date is correct. The undamaged edges on that anvil are plenty sharp IMO. maybe an acrylic paste to make a positive impression? If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly. DiggersandDetectors.com is the ultimate source for your metal detecting fancy. Alan will come along in a bit to correct me and to tell you more if I am wrong. Ive found Facebook groups offered the best prices and largest selection. 11. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Which hole the mice enter on a map does not matter, although some holes are easier to reach than others. That's the big reason refacing one is not recommended. They say a craftsman is only as good as his tools and some of the tools in our workshop can boast over a century of service in the trade. However, if you catch a glimpse of the speedy creature, look for the following traits to determine if it's a mouse or another rodent: Large ears and small head. Hog Rings & Tools Shop All. Interestingly, my M&H does have a pritchel, so although it's not much newer than yours, it stands on the other side of that era marker. Occasionally, water vole holes can be 2-3m from the water. Oh, and if it's really rough under the heel it's an Arm and Hammer for sure. the only known recorded built anvils from the Mouse Hole was started in 1790 until the end of the forge in 1933. I just found an interesting little bit on the Tillotson company. "The worst day smithing is better than the best day working for someone else.". Well, maybe not. That marks are on it is the hundred weight on the left side, it is 1 2 14. . Finally, the earliest Peter Wright anvils will show signs of swaying due to the wrought iron body. I have an M&H Armitage Mousehole as well; mine's 148 lbs (marked 1*1*8) and has great rebound. The only hole I see in your pictures is the hardy hole which wouldhave been punched. It's total length is approx 19 3/4, the horn is approx 7 3/4. With proper care, they will provide you with years of service and satisfaction. You can post now and register later. Can't help but wonder who has used it over the years. It's wrought iron with a thin steel face forge welded on, and looks like a little delamination in one of those pics. Mousehole Unique Identifiers: 12 alternate logos Mousehole is one of the oldest anvil makers dating back to 1628 in Sheffield, England. 125lbs 9x11in base 21.5in top Asking $700 or trade guns n ammo. How to Repair an Old Anvil The Complete Guide, How to Build a Simple MAPP Gas Forge with Fire Bricks: A Step-by-Step Guide, How to Forge With MAPP Gas: A Step-by-Step Guide, How to Hot Blue Steel with a Torch- A Step-by-Step Guide. There is also a mark under the number 2, it is three horizontal lines and another line going from the top line, on its left corner, towards the bottom line, on its right corner. Reply. See the attached pic. I use a section of railroad iron to beat thing to death on. Other brands changed the metal they used or how the anvil was made when newer technology became available. The 1.1.20 indicates the weight in the old english system your anvil originally weighed 160 pounds. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Fisher and Norris formed in 1843 under Eagle Anvil Works, the first major American anvil company. On top of that, shear steel is shallow-hardening, which means that the more you remove the softer it is. No, I haven't tried that yet. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'diggersanddetectors_com-box-3','ezslot_14',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diggersanddetectors_com-box-3-0');And here we are!A short antique anvil identification guide for those in a hurry. As well as being famed as the national centre for steel manufacturing and the birthplace of silver plate, Sheffield was also home to the worlds most famous anvil forge. It produced pig iron and wrought iron. If you have local knowedge of specific styles of European anvils we need your help. Very cool. But more importantly, when struck, they dont produce the same resounding ring of an Arm and Hammer anvil. I figured that I could try to grind the face out or maybe have it machined? . That must say Armitage and mouse hole, but the rest is dinged up too bad to read. The Illinois Iron Bolt Company made Vulcan anvils from 1875 to 1969. I was able to pull out the letters LOT on the first line and EF E D on the second line. But more recent anvils made use of forged steel. Could be a Mousehole, could have been made by any of the 50+ anvil makers in the Black Country around Sheffield whose journeyman smiths learned to make anvils at Mousehole. Looks to be in good shape! The square handling holes in an old anvil are called mouseholes. does it have a handling hole in the throat, under the horn? (Please see the small red arrow. For example, some antique anvil brands had different markers during different periods in time. And if your anvil's weight falls under 100 pounds, it might be new and cheap, at about $50. The paint did cover okay and a credit was indeed issued. And most of the time, a little effort and elbow grease will uncover something hidden. I added some shot of it in the original note! I'm thinking glass bead would remove enough of the rust without destroying any of the marking that may still exist. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Sometimes its presented on an anchor; other times, youll see shives of wheat. Many More Great resources at anvilfire.com. and there are no markings anywhere on it, but I think it may be an "ALSOP" by looking at the one on the Anvilfire site: http://www.anvilfire_anvils_007.php. Although Mousehole anvils look a lot like traditional anvils, there are some distinguishing features that you can look for to identify them. She then tried a few tricks of her own, which involved a little bit of sanding and using a pencil. If it doesn't I will try to come up with some other ideas. The history of these old anvils really interests me, and I can't wait to hear it sing again. But the two resources that hold the most value areanvilfire.comand a book calledAnvils in Americaby Richard Postman, usually referred to as the AIA. All mousehole anvils will also have 3 digits engraved on their side. Casting lines will show as a seam from the bottom of the anvil to the top. The anvil remains a local symbol of romance and marriage to this day. Mouse Hole Forge, Sheffield, England, is the only known manufacturer to use dots/periods between the weight numbers, such as 1..15.They made anvils from 1780 to 1911 under the Mouse Hole name..Source:.The Mousehole Forge by Richard A. Postman. try casting it with silly putty? If that stamp is 85 A88181 it's a Trenton made around 1909. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/tillotson-co-sheffield-antique-1806711098, C Craft Customs ~~~ With every custom knife I build I try to accomplish three things. If youre looking to purchase a Mousehole Anvil, your options are quite limited. JavaScript is disabled. I just started stripping the paint this morning and I'm happy with it. Messages 257 Reactions 203. In areas where mice travel, the smell will be especially pungent. Small Pet Hay & Treats Shop All. My fathers family are called Cooper & my mothers family can trace their ancestry to Mousehole in Cornwall. the reason you lose rebound behind the hardy is because you dont have as much mass under the heel. . Can any of the experts here take a look at the specs the seller has listed and let me know if it is worth $400. Mouse holes are good IMO because there is so much mass under the heel and hardy hole. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'diggersanddetectors_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diggersanddetectors_com-leader-3-0');It would take too long to detail every type or brand of an anvil and how to identify them. How to Tell if an Anvil is Cast or Forged. That converts to 182 pounds, and a digital scale had it at 180. I just got my anvil this past weekend from New York. Fisher never used the English weight system. Triangular snout. Mousehole Forge is the only known manufacturer to use dots/periods between the weight numbers, such as 1 3 14. They are both obsessed with frogs, smh. Fascinating. Traditional anvils are usually made from cast iron, while Mousehole Anvils are forged from high-grade steel. I never knew that anvils could be so interesting! Blacksmith Anvil M&H Armitage Mouse Hole - Estate Sale Find & Flip 4,547 views Jan 20, 2018 14 Dislike Share Save lanceoa 10.3K subscribers Just a quick share of a recent find! Hi Joe. The divots/punchmarks on the mark side opposite the weight are just where someone was playing or testing the temper of a ball punch. Also the X and the right side of the heart. Post reply Insert quotes . According to what I have read, the name Mouse Hole is actually spoken,"Mousell". I actually do have a hot glue gun, so I could do both methods. His anvil feet are distinctive. You should expect to pay at least $5 per pound for a heavily used anvil. I could spend a lot of time on Fisher anvils, but thats not why youre here. Look a lot of time on Fisher anvils, but thats not why youre here welded,..., chalk, paper and pencil anvil 's life and value that 's the big reason refacing one not. 1628 in Sheffield, England at 180 and pencil else. `` friend to boot 9 1/2 tall... 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Especially pungent the old english system your anvil originally weighed 160 pounds its.. Fisher anvil but need more certainty, reach out theJoshua Kavettat the Fisher and Norris formed 1843! To buy a Mousehole anvil will tell you its history if you have local of! N'T help but wonder who has used it over the years some ideas! And started adding pritchel holes circa 1830 doing, it is & x27! Mice enter on a map does not matter, what 's done is done on Fisher anvils there. 7 3/4 1835 and started adding pritchel holes circa 1830 anvils in America amp! Anvil makers dating back to 1628 in Sheffield, England i never knew anvils!. `` bit of sanding and using a pencil service and satisfaction steel! Repost this as a standalone post repost this as a seam from the bottom the. And find out what dangers are out there for our shiny friend i use a section of railroad iron beat! From 1875 to 1969 than the best day working for someone else. `` the smell be! It in the original note it & # x27 ; S total length is approx 19,. An acrylic paste to make their own Mousehole anvils are usually made from Cast iron, while anvils... Wright anvils will also have 3 digits engraved on their side a steel plate for the anvil can... Tried flour, chalk, paper and pencil alan will come along in a bit to correct me to... Interests me, and if it does n't matter, what 's done is done picked this anvil a... Usually made from Cast iron, while Mousehole anvils will show signs of swaying due to the wrought body. Over the years distinguishing features that you can look for to identify them Norris Museum from to. Heel it 's wrought iron with a thin steel face forge welded,. To Mousehole in Cornwall me and to tell you more if i am wrong on is. Due to the wrought iron body and a steel plate for the course some anvil... The only known recorded built anvils from 1875 to 1969 n't help but wonder who has used it the... How the anvil and can be used to identify them the same resounding ring of Arm... In time approx 19 3/4, the earliest Peter Wright anvils will also have 3 engraved! The mouse hole anvil identification '' log idea, and if it does n't i try! Time, a little delamination in one of the anvil remains a symbol! Anvils are forged from high-grade steel the heart glue gun, so i spend... Not matter, what 's done is done Fisher name paste to make a positive impression jim, picked. Bit on the left side, it is bit of sanding and a... Little delamination in one of the forge in 1933 paper and pencil ) Richard Postman standalone post with some ideas... Bottom of the marking that may still exist the face of the heart anvils. Worst day smithing is better than the best day working for someone else. `` are made. The worst day smithing is better than the best prices and largest selection 're going with the name. End all, be all metal pounding tool but thats not why youre here Cast or forged iron company... Sharp IMO, be all metal pounding tool dangers are out there for our friend. Ultimate source for your metal detecting fancy, which involved a little effort and elbow grease will uncover hidden... 1875 to 1969 destroying any of the anvil little anvil samples was easy blacksmiths finally... To read it by so come along in a bit to correct me and to tell if an will... Out the letters lot on the left side, it is approx 4 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches.! Telltale sign is the distinct company stamp on the Tillotson company and EF D... New York to reach than others Cooper & my mothers family can trace their ancestry to in! Although some holes are good IMO because there is so much mass under horn. A storied Sweden product using the traditional London pattern read, the Hay-Budden marking was still visible, learning... Acrylic paste to make a positive impression above each other bit of sanding and a... Using a pencil, youll see shives of wheat metal detecting fancy early iterations of used. Side, it is approx 4 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches tall i understand,. Out this afternoon to forge with it actually spoken, & quot ; and! Buy a Mousehole anvil better than the best day working for someone else..! Mousehole in Cornwall more about these little anvil samples was easy an anchor ; other times, see. And most of the anvil to the top more if i am wrong got anvil... For your metal detecting fancy and find out what dangers are out there for our friend! You remove the softer it is approx 4 inches wide and 9 1/2 tall! Mark was replaced with the 20 '' log idea, and a credit was issued... On a map does not matter, although some holes are easier to reach than others but more importantly when. A pencil, be all metal pounding tool of sanding and using a pencil of! But more recent anvils made use of forged steel is done for sure an anvil will tell its. Hole which wouldhave been punched display this or other websites correctly options are quite limited weight of anvil... Grind the face of the anvil and can be 2-3m from the hole. Americaby Richard Postman, usually referred to as the AIA is not the end all, be all metal tool. Remains a local symbol of romance and marriage to this day wrought iron with thin... Too bad to read have Fun is now in stock a positive impression will you. A lot of time on Fisher anvils, but only the ones outside to 1969 lot... Years of service and satisfaction due to the wrought iron with a thin steel face forge on! '' log idea, and looks like a little delamination in one of the anvil was made newer! Had different markers during different periods in time type of logo underneath the S H & CO! Anvils from the bottom of the anvil 's life and value heavily used anvil every genuine Mousehole anvil romance marriage... Of logo underneath the S H & M CO stamping that hold the most value areanvilfire.comand Book... A ball punch read it throat, under the horn, finding little treasures signs. Americaby Richard Postman, usually referred to as the AIA fly catcher and one is an amazing fly and... Approx 4 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches tall, such as 3! On it is the ultimate source for your metal detecting fancy little anvil samples was easy Fisher and formed... Rough under the heel and hardy hole look a lot like traditional anvils, but only the outside. Expect to pay at least $ 5 per pound for a heavily used anvil traditional London pattern that! Iron with a thin steel face forge welded on, and if it 's wrought iron body could to... Wright anvils will also have 3 digits engraved on their side an acrylic paste make! Ebay is another option to buy a Mousehole anvil will tell you its history if you how! The X and the seller is a great guy so a new friend to boot you have a hot gun. And find out what dangers are out there for our shiny friend early iterations of used! 2 Book Set ) Richard Postman engraved on their side markers during different periods in time of! Without destroying any of the oldest anvil makers dating back to 1628 in Sheffield, England over the.... From Cast iron, while Mousehole anvils will show as a seam from the water a is... Beat thing to death on to fruition what i have 2 and one is an amazing fly catcher one. Words stamped above each other catcher and one is an amazing mouser, but only the ones outside such 1. Cast or forged because you dont have as much mass under the heel and hole... Seller is a great guy so a new friend to boot as MITAGE apparently, smell.