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Antique Trenton Blacksmith Anvil – Circa 1917 – 126.5 lbs – 90–91% Rebound
Offered for sale is an exceptionally well-preserved American Trenton blacksmith anvil, weighing 126.5 pounds on a modern scale.
The factory serial marking is A148976. Based on published Trenton serial-number dating information, the numeric serial 148976 falls within the 1917 production range.
This is being sold as a conserved antique, not a cosmetically rebuilt anvil.
CONDITION & ORIGINALITY
The anvil has been thoroughly cleaned and conserved while deliberately preserving its original working surfaces and geometry.
The face has NOT been:
* Milled
* Surface-ground
* Belt-sanded flat
* Welded
* Hardfaced
* Built up along the edges
* Reshaped to make it appear newer
The face remains remarkably straight for an anvil of this age. Photographs with a precision straightedge/square are included so buyers can evaluate the surface themselves.
The dark coloration visible on the face is not paint and has intentionally been left alone rather than removing original hardened material simply to produce a bright cosmetic finish.
There is historical edge wear, pitting and rounding consistent with more than a century of use. Please examine the detailed photographs. Nothing has been filled or cosmetically disguised.
EXCELLENT REBOUND
The original working face has been properly rebound tested using a 1-inch steel bearing.
Measured rebound: approximately 90–91%.
Video of the rebound test is available/included with the listing.
This is an important distinction on an antique anvil: although the face shows its age cosmetically, it continues to demonstrate excellent rebound.
FACTORY MARKINGS
Visible markings include:
Serial: A148976
Factory weight marking: 120
Actual modern scale weight: approximately 126.5 lbs
Approximate manufacture: 1917
Manufacturer: Trenton
Country of manufacture: USA
The difference between the historical factory weight marking and present measured weight is disclosed exactly as found.
CONSERVATION
Rust and accumulated oxidation were removed without machining the anvil.
Following cleaning, the anvil was thoroughly dried, heated to approximately 185°F, treated with boiled linseed oil, and wiped down. The resulting surface protects the iron while allowing the original manufacturing characteristics, forging texture, pits and historical working marks to remain visible.
This was intentionally approached as preservation rather than restoration to “like-new” condition.
The horn retains its historical contours and working marks. The hardy and pritchel holes remain intact.
The underside/base construction has also been preserved and can be photographed in detail for interested buyers.
WHAT YOU ARE BUYING
This is not a newly manufactured anvil and is not represented as cosmetically perfect.
It is an approximately 109-year-old American-made Trenton retaining its original face, original contours, factory markings and evidence of its working history—with an unusually strong 90–91% measured rebound remaining in the working face.
It would make an excellent centerpiece for a traditional blacksmith shop, serious working anvil, or collectible example of early American industrial tooling.
I have extensive photographs documenting the anvil before, during and after conservation and will gladly provide additional detailed photographs or measurements to a serious buyer.
Anvil only unless otherwise specifically stated in the listing.
A custom stand may also be available separately.
Shipping / Pickup
Weight is approximately 126.5 lbs before packaging.
Local pickup is strongly welcomed. Freight or other shipping arrangements may be possible depending upon destination and should be discussed before purchase.
Please ask any questions before purchasing. I am happy to provide additional measurements, close-up photographs, underside photographs, serial-number photographs or rebound-test documentation.
Collector-quality Trenton with excellent rebound and an original, unmachined face.
