William Foster anvil

I only have two antique anvils, other recently-acquired one has thread of its own. This one I’ve had “forever” and only bought because it was dated and had lots of markings. The face is broken up on edges and I never plan to use it as a tool. It was made by William Foster in England in 1841. I don’t know what the letters “SO” mean but maybe that’s a model designation. Dimensions are 20 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 10”.

 

According to Postman, (Anvils in America, 1998) William Foster anvils often had one or two letters there. He says they are 'probably inspector's marks.' All the WF anvils he has pictured have them.

I'm wondering what an anvil inspector did, beyond certifying the weight. (Roadrunner cartoons come to mind....)

Again, not a terribly bad face, especially on a 177 year old anvil.

 

Thanks again for the info, you’re probably the only anvil-knowledgeable member here.

 

& that's why this site rocks !!

 

Anvil be for zee forzeeable future I zink.