That $150 anvil-shaped paperweight taught me a lesson

Picked up a so-called anvil at a flea market in Ohio last month, paid $150 because it looked rough but solid. Got it home and tried to forge a leaf on it, the surface just crumbled and chipped like crazy. Turns out it was cast iron with a cheap paint job, not a real forged tool. I wasted two evenings and my favorite hammer before a buddy of mine took one look and laughed. Now I know to check for a rebound test and a decent brand stamp before dropping cash. Anyone else get burned by a fake or damaged anvil, and how did you spot it?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_diana13d ago

Cast iron anvils fool plenty of folks, so you're not alone there. The rebound test and brand stamp are solid advice, but I'd also tap the body with a hammer before buying. A real anvil rings clean and sharp, while cast iron thuds dull. Did you keep the paperweight for decoration or sell it off?

the_shane13d ago

Three bucks at a yard sale turned that paperweight into a doorstop for my shop, @the_diana, so at least it finally found a job it's actually good at.