An unusual anvil spotted on Street View | The Tools of the Trade | Forum

It is like a pulling block on a farriers anvil, (for shoe tabs), Some styles have it tapered at the edge like a bick.  This style seems common on Czech style anvils.  Looks around 400 lbs.  ( We have one similar 440lbs.)  

I use it for cross anvil work with precision pieces, where I want a wider face perpendicular to the horn. Also a good place to anchor some odd L-shaped pieces of work.

PLUS it is where you fake the "STEP" on a double horned anvil style by hitting into the corner. (like for some bends, curves  or scroll helping.)

Still a cool shop pic.

Wish my shop was made of rock!  But that would take a lot of rock!  ~ ~ ;^)

Some places to look at new ones.

http://www.branco.cz/anvils.htm

http://www.euroanvils.net/euroanvil.php

-DONK

Interesting you mention that.

In the early 1200s my ancestor was named "Hans the Smyt". (Smith) in Germany near the Muesen Iron Mines. (old English was used with latin etc. in old medieval days there and is similar to today's "Hoch-Deutsch" which is the German taught in schools worldwide)  and yes, he was named for what he did there were no last names then really.

My last name is Kemper now (because they farmed Hemp. I believe that Kemper or Kempfer is the word for "Hemp farmer" for rope). It doesn't show up in the family tree until 1340's. Still direct paternal line, just our LAST NAME was added at a later date.  (actually a long line of smiths in my family).

In olde English it means to Smyte (hit or strike) became the name people associate with the trade.

Kind of neat history