Anvils are an integral tool for any smith, from hobbyist to professional. They have been used for centuries to forge and shape metal and have a long, storied history. But there’s one kind of anvil that stands out in particular: the Mousehole Anvil.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Mousehole Anvils; what they are, their history, their benefits and advantages over traditional anvils, where to buy them, and what to expect to pay for one.
What is a Mousehole Anvil?
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. The forge has been producing anvils since the 17th century and is known for its high-quality products.
Mousehole Anvils are renowned for their strength and durability and have even won a Gold Medal at an international exhibition. They are revered by professional blacksmiths and collectors alike, and many consider them to be the best anvils ever made.
What Makes a Mousehole Anvil Different?
The main difference between Mousehole Anvils and traditional anvils is the construction. Traditional anvils are usually made from cast iron, while Mousehole Anvils are forged from high-grade steel. This makes them much stronger than regular anvils, which means they can take a beating and still remain strong and accurate.
Many blacksmiths have attempted to make their own Mousehole Anvils, but these timeless tools are almost impossible to replicate.
How to Identify a Mousehole Anvil
Although Mousehole anvils look a lot like traditional anvils, there are some distinguishing features that you can look for to identify them.
The most telltale sign is the distinct company stamp on the side of the anvil. Every genuine mousehole anvil will have 7 words stamped above each other.
The words were stacked in the following order on anvils produced up to 1878.
- “H&M”
- “ARMITAGE”
- “MOUSE”
- “HOLE”
- “FORGE”
- “SHEFFIELD”
- “ENGLAND”
Mousehole anvils made after 1878 also have an image of a mouse before the word “HOLE”.
All mousehole anvils will also have 3 digits engraved on their side. These digits determine the weight of the anvil and can be used to identify its age.
Where to Buy a Mousehole Anvil
If you’re looking to purchase a Mousehole Anvil, your options are quite limited. The only ones you will find will be heavily used and sold by individuals.
I’ve found Facebook groups offered the best prices and largest selection. Sellers tend to be more honest and willing to go the extra mile to find a new home for their anvil.
eBay is another option to buy a mousehole anvil. I found many sellers trying to pass fake anvils with either forged or missing stamps off as genuine. So it’s important to be careful when searching on eBay and confirm the authenticity of any anvil you’re looking at.
What to Expect to Pay for a Mousehole Anvil
The price of a Mousehole Anvil will vary depending on its size, age, and most important, condition. You should expect to pay at least $5 per pound for a heavily used anvil. You will also need to factor in special shipping and handling fees associated with buying an anvil online.
It’s important to remember that these anvils are old and not in perfect condition. They will have some dings and dents, but this should not affect the performance of the anvil.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a Mousehole Anvil is well worth the investment for any blacksmith or collector looking for a quality tool that will last a lifetime. The superior strength and craftsmanship of these anvils are something that simply cannot be found in traditional anvils.
With proper care, they will provide you with years of service and satisfaction.
If you’re looking to purchase a Mousehole Anvil, be sure to research the seller and inspect the anvil thoroughly before making your purchase. You want to ensure that you are getting a genuine product that will meet your needs.
With a bit of patience and due diligence, you can find a great anvil that will last you a lifetime. Good luck!
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