~250lb Fisher Anvil

[OilyRascal]

I was in the antique store yesterday with the hopes the guy might stop running to ebay every time I asked for a price on something.  I've walked out of this place several times now because of this.  I did again yesterday.

However, on my way out of the door I spotted a very large Fisher anvil I strongly suspect is in the 250+ range.  It was hiding next to a 112lb anvil that it simply dwarfed.  A good "guess" would be it stood over 30" tall, and over 36" long.  It would not have been in my best interest, at that point, to even attempt a conversation on pricing - I needed to walk out.

My questions are:

1) is there a rarity factor to a Fisher this size?
2) what is your opinion on a fair price assuming it is a 250, and it is in good condition?
3) are there "tell tell" signs of one abused - or one vulnerable that I should look for?  What would you "inspect" to establish condition?

Thanks in advance!

[OilyRascal]

FYI - I did read the previous post regarding more general anvil purchasing assistance, and there was specific mention of how a Fisher anvil may not respond the same as others - thus my very pointed question on how to "inspect" a Fisher to establish condition.

[Branson]

FYI - I did read the previous post regarding more general anvil purchasing assistance, and there was specific mention of how a Fisher anvil may not respond the same as others - thus my very pointed question on how to "inspect" a Fisher to establish condition.

Fishers are fine anvils.  It won't ring, but it should still get some rebound.  Other than that, check the table for trueness and good edges. 

[john k]

Look the sides over carefully especially if it is painted, or real dirty, I've run across a couple of medium size anvils that were welded back together.   The welding was definitely not factory stuff.    A big anvil MAY have escaped some of the abuse a farmers anvil may have suffered.   One that big was more than likely in a professional blacksmith/welding shop.   And didn't spend a few decades in the barn where the grandkids pounded on it with any old hammer, because (anvils are made to be pounded on, right?)    I would say that a 250 pounder, with that good name, would bring a full 3 dollars a pound.   In exceptional shape.  Chips, swayback, and general wear start knocking down the price. 

[OilyRascal]

Thanks yall for all the input.  I will make my way back over there for more details.  More to come.

[rusty]

Plus:
  Not many 200+ lb anvils make it to ebay because of shipping, so he won't have much to look at ;P

Minus:
> is there a rarity factor to a Fisher this size?
It's probably a name he has heard of...

Remind him how much fun it is to move a 250 lb object around his shop -P

[john k]

Be sure to read the numbers on the side, which will translate into the wt. of said anvil.   Just for fun, be sure to leave it out in the aisle, so he has to move it back when you leave.  He may get tired of doing that.