You Won't Believe What I Found on CRAIGSLIST

[@HEIGHTMIGHTFLIGHT]

Hello Cody, the plate says "Property (of) Telse Bahlo". Usually "Telse" is a female name from northern Germany and is short for Elisabeth. Bahlo is the family name. I did a little web search and found only one person named Telse Bahlo. A Women from the Town Gießen in West Germany that unfortunatly passed in 2013, aged 86. Since the name is pretty rare it is very likely that this was her anvil at some point. Greetings from Germany

[@warrenmichael918]

Should name the anvil Elisabeth for sure!!

[@HEIGHTMIGHTFLIGHT]

@@warrenmichael918 👍

[@hustlehumbly6169]

I hope Cody reads this I love information like this

[@gerardoangulo1353]

Nnb b

[@pkope6849]

Thank You for sharing your research.. Amazing !!!👍👍

[@gunnutmike]

That is in unbelievable shape! Very happy for you finding this (and being able to afford it)! I've been looking for an anvil between 100-200 lbs for years, and every time I thought I had enough money to buy one, the price had gone up out of reach again. I've decided to give up and keep using a piece of railroad rail that I've had for years and be done with it. I am definitely looking forward to watching what you can do with this and your new forge though.

[@bobdobson]

Made in 1948. Over 100 years old? Did I hear that right? Essential Craftsman did some vids on building anvil stands a while ago. Might be worth checking his channel.

[@nellayema2455]

You heard that right, Lol! He's often said that on-camera math is not his strong suit!

[@RodneyOverton_OriginalMusic]

Professional homeowners don’t need to be good at math.

[@daro22chl]

West coast math 🧮 lol

[@Skiman21632]

My mom was made in the 1940's so I caught that right away. Although she says she feels over 100 😂

[@johnmurphy5550]

Yes, not an ancient anvil

[@whiteduckmail]

The Fizz factor is off the charts with this find. Someone else suggested "the Old Man" as a name, and I think that's right. However, if your Grandpa had a nickname , or another way to honor his memory , I'd go with that. Every task would bring back another memory.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

dude teared up over a piece of metal lol

[@metals_etched]

Very impressive! Such a beautiful anvil. My suggestion for a name is the same in Austrian as well as German, “alter Mann” meaning, “old man”, as you alluded to it being something you are now a caretaker of and it will pass on to others, yet has been, for quite some time.

[@Mila007a]

(Onkel Otto ) Uncle Otto is a nice proper german name too 🤣🤣🤣

[@MajorMike4868]

I was thinking the exact same thing, well said

[@kurtloptien185]

Very beautiful anvil, extremely impressive. I'm sure there are a number of blacksmiths that would love that and use it to it's full extent. I don't wish to disrespect you Cody, but this tool is way more than you'll ever properly use. Find a true blacksmith that needs it and find a 200 pounder for yourself. I think it's more about pride and desire, than need. If you keep it you should find a 3' dia. tree stump for your base, nicely finished and waxed. As for a name "übertrieben"

[@tarstarkusz]

Labor was dirt cheap in post war Germany so early on and machines very rare and expensive.. Germany is still in ruins at this point. This couldn't be done today, at least anywhere in the West. It would cost an absolute fortune to hand make something like this today, I would think.

[@sheldonfrey1]

I think a joint video with the Essential Craftsman to build the base would be a life memory. Also print a letter with a laser printer with a short history about you and of how you got the anvil and its details. Fold it and place it under the anvil when you mount it.

[@hickmanjt]

Name the anvil "The Erzberg". The name implies a mountain of ore and was the principle source of Austria's iron back in the early 1900s. Love your content Cody. Bless you and your family.

[@peterunterrainer5652]

Aus dem erzberg wird immer noch erz gewonnen und von der voestalpine Stahl Donawitz GmbH verhüttet. In Leoben/Österreich

[@danells5399]

Cody, Here's a "plug" for recommending watching blacksmithing anvils content made by the "Essential Craftsman". Check it out especially how to size the correct base for same, i.e., face height, portability, tool storage, etc.

[@701chevy9]

Was coming here to mention him. I love his anvil stands.

[@danielalamo2075]

Essential Craftsman is awesome! And so is the Black Bear Forge.

[@TheStevenRocha]

I was going to mention EC also. He lives in Oregon also, maybe you and him could link up and do a blacksmith colab video. He also teaches a blacksmith course on line.

[@CleaveMountaineering]

@@TheStevenRocha Yes!

[@patwawryk7717]

I saw the short last night but when you unveiled the anvil I literally said out loud "woah that's nice". Great find Mr.WranglerStar

[@adamhovanec9376]

Good luck with all your projects!

[@daftnord4957]

I have a large antique Swedish anvil that was my grandpas. Last weekend i lifted it onto a bathroom scale to weigh and my back is still recovering. Turns out it weighs 199 lbs

[@oldmanwinter1405]

Is it a Soderförs? It might be the twin brother to mine.

[@daftnord4957]

@@oldmanwinter1405 i've searched and googled and tried rubbing flours all over the thing to try find any marking, but all it has stamped is a big 2 02 lbs, about 2 inch tall characters, and "Sweden" stamped really small only about an inch long. couldn't find anything else on the other side of bottom or any side of the base feet

[@markrobertson9558]

“Abelard” old German word for resolute or Nobel strength! An amazing piece of history. Congrats on the find. I can’t think of a better person to own it not only because of your respect for craftsmanship but because I know you will use it and enjoy it!

[@mikenixon5936]

Must be west coast math, but made in 1948 hardly makes it to "over a hundred years old".

[@ryanmartinage]

Common core.

[@mikenixon5936]

@@ryanmartinage like I said, a west coast problem

[@avocapa]

And that is your takeaway from this amazing share?

[@mikenixon5936]

@@avocapa absolutely

[@Goigigandfriends]

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one lol

[@richien.4915]

Wow! Just Wow! I"m a retired cop who has "Stress Managed" by taking an interest in old tools and the old ways (As I'm not sure how long this precariously perched "civilization" will stay perched). My Realtor wife "asked" me to become her assistant when I retired. Our practice on Fridays is to tour the rural areas looking for garage/barn sales. We meet interesting people, find occasional clients for her business and I find tools. The Holy Grail (if you will) of these exercises is an anvil. I recently missed a 200 pound specimen by about an hour. I've snagged a few Blacksmithing tools, and (my other passion) one quality timber chisel. You are so right, we don't "own" these items, but are entrusted with their care. Again, I say, Wow! Not in envy, but grateful it found a proper home.

[@sparky6086]

I think, that they used old school blacksmith forge welding to put the pieces together, by smashing them together, while the pieces were still hot. It's difficult, because the pieces are probably dissimilar metallurgically. It took a few strong men who through time had gotten the teamwork, timing, and choreography down.

[@wranglerstar]

it's truly incredible,

[@CleaveMountaineering]

In 1948 it would have been power hammers and the like. Look up the US Heavy Press Program that came from German tech acquired after WWII.

[@sparky6086]

@@CleaveMountaineering I wonder if "1948" is not the year, that this anvil is manufactured but repressents something other than a year? This anvil may even date to the 1920's or earlier. I used to know these things about anvils, but my memory has faded. I know, that anvils from Britain use some old standards of measurement for instance, making the numbers on them appear cryptic to the modern eye. Probably wouldn't be too difficult to find out with a little research, since this manufacturer of anvils is well known.

[@sparky6086]

@@CleaveMountaineering I knew about the heavy press thing. Quite impressive!

[@cristallewis7802]

The method is to create a phase shift in the carbon content using a bloomery steel so as to allow the high carbon steel to forge weld to the top it’s possible with tool steel like true Damascus which was made by creating a carbon imbalance in the bloom and then folding it together. I presume they achieved it by forging the carbon out which is why the base was made in two parts.

[@samuelhigh3572]

We are in a similar situation, I just recently uncovered my Grandfathers anvil that was previously thought to be missing for around 10 years. My whole family thought someone had stole it, but I found it hidden away. It was almost like my Grandpa led me to it. I would like to see you build a stand so that I can know how to build a stand for my Grandpa's anvil that will last for generations to come. Thank you for your good content too by the way!!!

[@rickmaudlin2160]

"OTTO" Because it's round on both ends and flat on top... and it's a masculine German name.

[@cherylsmith-bell6509]

Wow That is beautiful! A work of art! I have a horse shoeing friend, now in his 80's who kept his forge in his truck or van always, but I think his Grandson has it now. His had the end where you could put the hardy to cut off a shoe if needed, on the opposit side to the horn. He shod my race horses and mostly used a stall jack that his dad made for him, on the light weight race plates. He did beautiful work when he shaped a shoe or made anything with his forge. Fun to watch. The rebound is what keeps you from killing your arm as you hammer out you piece!

[@e.a.r.9155]

*An Anvil walks into a bar..* *Bartender:* would you like a beer? *Anvil:* "No thanks, I'm already hammered."

[@lenholt7419]

Nice.

[@Chiefbuzzbee]

Your love for tools and the history behind them is a joy to me ! My only regret is I never spent the time with my Dad or Granddad to learn from them how to do it myself. That time now is lost.

[@M6706-u5y]

I’m looking forward to some blacksmithing videos again. I always enjoyed them! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@ohnenamen2843]

👍🇩🇪

[@joshrepik]

They are what brought me to his channel originally

[@pkope6849]

YOU Deserve this !!!!!! 👍👍 Thank You For All Of IT ...

[@TXSuburbanHomestead]

Really excited to see where this goes. I don't know if anybody else was as impressed as I was with putting the sling on just using the excavator. And Cody, this is your daily reminder not to do math on camera. 1948 to today is not quite "over 100 years old." Very close though, and still an amazing find.

[@Slane583]

I agree to his calculations being incorrect. My grandfather passed away last August at 90 years old and he served for the Navy during WW2. But I can forgive Cody, he has a case of anvil-excitement on the brain. :)

[@TXSuburbanHomestead]

@@Slane583 I wonder if there's a clinical term for that??

[@Slane583]

@@TXSuburbanHomestead I can't think of a good one at this time. But for starters we can start by calling it Clang-Brain. Or Anvilicus-Forgeticus if you want it to sound fancier. :)

[@maryolee8303]

I am no outdorrsman I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY & live in a semi-urban town in CA. I watch your content all the time. I find it and your life fascinating

[@willland387]

As an operator myself I’m impressed how you harnessed straps and then secured the anvil, that was simple yet impressive

[@thakori]

What a beautiful piece, congratulations!

[@BattleChemist]

You were correct on the number, Cody. 192 kilograms = 422 lbs. Excited to see it mounted on a stand. Yet another video series to look forward to.

[@moone924]

was going to say but you beat me to it

[@CornishJohn]

It's not a metric conversion of 422lb... 422lb is a conversion of the stated weights for us old fashioned folk in UK/US.

[@BattleChemist]

@@CornishJohn I didn't say it was a metric conversion... just provided the conversion numbers. I prefer metric for calculation, but SAE is easier in day-to-day life. Try not to be so pedantic and condescending.

[@CornishJohn]

@@BattleChemist no, but Cody did which is what you're commenting about. Try not to be so thin skinned and reactionary.

[@Litrix200]

I’m sharing your happiness right now. Been searching for new lager anvil for a while myself. And yesterday just a couple of days after watching this video, I got the opportunity to buy a 220Lb same style of double horn anvil in similar condition for just 200$ (equal to in SEK) even though I told the seller who I know that it’s worth at least double. I felt like a child on Christmas eve.

[@premiersoftwashkc3095]

I’m glad someone like you got that anvil Cody, we know you’ll take good care of it!

[@tilmanvincent7524]

From around 10:00 to 11:10 momma kitty worked so hard for your recognition, glad you gave her love.

[@e9999qwe]

Very nice! Definitely heirloom quality. Yes, the rebound is fantastic. The plate says "property of so and so". Interesting but the welds are a bit distracting to be honest. I would clean that up a bit. As to the stand, I would think nothing would be better than a large slice of a very old tree with root bases radiating out. Maybe you can find one that was seeded around 1948 as well...?

[@scottnyc6572]

I had no idea how rare these anvil’s were until now.I will now keep my eyes peeled in my travels.Enjoy,thanks!!

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

Cody you have a wealth of Blacksmithing resources at your fingertips, I'm sure guys like Alec Steele, Will Stelter or Essential Craftman would love to collab with you!

[@thomshere]

That is the finest anvil with the most rebound and ring that I have ever seen and heard! You are a very lucky guy and I think the Lord might of had a little something to do with it also. God Bless you and your awesome family Brother 🙏

[@WiIdbiII]

That's a beaut I've got one the same size. Mines American , it was my grandfather's , he was a Pennsylvania farmer. But I hear those German ones are pretty sweet to.

[@National757]

Not many could just sit there and appreciate this anvil. It's construction. It's history. Very, very cool! When it comes to well made, older things. It is true. We are just the guardians for our time here. One heck of a great find. And it's age and history the coolest part!

[@kccreations5945]

You know something is important when Cody doesn’t change the camera angle for a whole minute from 3:15-4:15 while loving that anvil! Lol

[@ChillyJack]

That's a fantastic find. I spent years looking for a good quality used anvil anywhere remotely near me and turned up nothing but ASOs and badly chipped/outright broken anvils. Eventually settled on welding three 1/2" slabs of steel together and welding that to a long piece of 4" steel square stock I mounted in a ruined car tire and filled the square stock and tire with concrete for weight.

[@ohnenamen2843]

422lbs is ca 192 kg And it’s no makers mark it says: “Property Telse Bahlo” wich is a German name but by no means common. But my idea for a German name for this would be “Reinhardt” wich comes from the old high German words meaning (pure hard, or pure strong)

[@ohnenamen2843]

@@quantum_beeb I looked it up. U r right. It just isn’t common. At least not in my region

[@dcusator]

Sehr gut!

[@six4stang]

This is exciting, I have been keeping an eye out for an older anvil for about 2 years now. What a great find. Can’t wait to see more on this.

[@bigtruxz]

Thank you for giving us a place to get away from the madness with your recent videos. We all know the world is falling apart, but it's nice not to be reminded.

[@JAKE3914]

FANTASTIC find Cody!!!

[@brianrice6993]

Cody seemed to get emotional looking at that anvil. It’s like he could see the history of it.

[@martham148]

A piece of high quality German working vintage craftsmanship. Beautiful.

[@aidanobrien6704]

1948 -2022 = over 100 years old. Ahaha Cody you always say never do maths on camera.

[@larryharrison734]

I was going to say the same thing. Maybe he was using a different math.

[@toddmuenster8742]

Glad it found a home with you. Look forward to seeing projects in future

[@colingomez8949]

I can only imagine how many hours will be spent dropping the bearing on the anvil

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

I'm so excited to see you back into smithing! Your actually the inspiration for my blacksmithing hobby and side business. Been watching since before your first little anvil debut on the channel so many years ago. I'm beyond excited to see what you start doing with such a beautiful piece of History.

[@24outdoors]

Cody my happiness almost surpasses when the sweetloaf came about or when jack ran his first chainsaw. I feel like a good gentlemen's handshake isn't quite enough for this particular even. This calls for and exchange of a manly hug. I am the happiest for you finding this. Not that you found it but knowing the future that is ahead of it. As in life of an anvil I'd say its going to be living the German/American dream. My vote for name is "alter Freund" with a sub phrase of "zu meinem alten Freund, in den Händen des nächsten überlassen werden"

[@morrisabernathy5106]

Cody I see the genuine emotion and I respect it. Love your work. Keep the faith!

[@Lochlann13]

Hey Cody, what an absolutely beautiful anvil! I believe the inscription reads "Property of Telse Bahlo." So not a maker's mark, per se, but still a fascinating bit of this anvil's past life.

[@WEFalke]

You're right. Eigentum = Property. And Telse is the first name, Bahlo the last name

[@MaynardFamilyHomestead]

That’s a great find, congratulations sir! I’m excited for you.

[@davidmann3365]

I am jealous of you Cody. Sounds and looks like the hardened steel plate is also in good shape. You'll need to find a good wood round to put it on.

[@billbentley9831]

I simply have a 1 ft length of railroad track rail for a mini-anvil for my small workshop. It's not much, but it's the piece that my grandfather had on his workbench while I was growing up, so that's where it's value lies for me. As to a name for an anvil like yours, it must be strong, memorable, have meaning, and extra points for a fun twist. I like "Hans". It is a strong name, and easy to remember. It is short for "Johannes", which I am given to understand means "Jehovah has been gracious". Finally, who can forget the SNL caricature of Hans and Franz...

[@nopenope134]

what I don't get is when you said "this thing is what, 1948? Over a hundred years old" What?

[@carlzirk]

Ha, yep just thinking ahead when the video is viewed in 2048.

[@nopenope134]

Maybe Cody is just trolling us, and instead of hiding Loctite, he's just putting blatantly wrong math in videos now, lol

[@carlzirk]

@@nopenope134 that's funny

[@donaldhofman5257]

Wow!! That's a incredible find!! You really scored on this one!!!

[@tymojenkins]

May I suggest calling it the “Eiger” after the mountain in the Swiss Alps. Apparently it’s a mixture of “oger” in German with Swiss vernacular, and Latin

[@MountainRoots]

That's AMAZING!!! I just did an anvil restoration on my Pawpaw's old 70+ year old anvil. Such amazing knowledge & history right here!

[@Bodhi1satva]

That must have cost a pretty penny! Where/how do you find these things? I’m impressed! Again!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Wow. What an amazing find. Congratulations!

[@jnorth3341]

So which cost more, the anvil or those sheets of plywood? (-:

[@horseboyhunglow]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

[@BettingOnTheOzarks]

Funny you mentioned having a tool from its original owner. My grandpa worked at the international harvester plant assembling tractors in the late 50s after his service in the Korean war. He purchased one of the tractors that he installed the front axle on. I have his International 350. Grandpa’s tractor will out live me and will be my children’s one day. Oh! The IH is still being used in the field still today!

[@terrapod4898]

The 50s were a great time for small farms and the tractor industry. Is your IH 350 the utility version? They were great tractors and hard to find these days.

[@pieceofparadise9338]

“Professional KZbinr”, is what Wranglerstar really is. Because that’s the only way he could afford to drop thousands of dollars every video.

[@markusayt]

Yes, he can apply business expenses against the income he generates. He has an efficient way to write off doing what he loves. 😊

[@5150Lane]

Whatever you call him, I'm a fan of his videos.

[@scottwilson5840]

BEAUTIFUL !!! That almost brought tears to my eyes and a lot of great memories. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy. God bless you sir.

[@gregsmith1116]

Congrats Buddy. Wow! Extraordinary!

[@tonyascaso6254]

Great find! What a beautiful piece!

[@shooterheming7072]

Can't wait to see the kind of work that gets done using this beauty.

[@joecamino3651]

Hi I have a similar anvil it is 144kg that is the top number by the way and mine was forged in 1928. A friend of mine is a German Master Blacksmith and he told me that around 10 blacksmiths were necessary to forge weld these anvils together. For that they all had to Hammer at the same time with a specific rhythm and if you have ever tried to forge weld something with just two people you know how hard it is. So you are correct this art is lost. You can’t find ten blacksmith with the skill and the rhythm to do that. He also told me that they had creeks running through the forges to cool those anvils down for heat treat. Hope you like this piece of info. Cheers Joe from Germany

[@eeezee3385]

It's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@davidb5978]

Cody, A few years ago is was able to buy a beat up old anvil for $50 at an auction. It was a big improvement over the piece of railroad track I have on the floor of my shop. When I wanted to make a base for it. The first thing I did was take my hammer and hold it out at a comfortable level in the striking position that I would be in when hitting the anvil and I measured the distance from the hammer face to the floor. Then I subtracted the height of the anvil from that measurement to get the proper (for me) height of the base. I am happy with the way it turned out. Good luck on your new Blacksmithing adventure.

[@BillTheTractorMan]

There is a pocket of Scandinavian Blacksmiths in Central Minnesota. A few of us would deem no anvil complete without a solid Oak round (log section) for an anvil base. My preference has been White Oak, it is native and common to my community in Minnesota. The White oak is strong like Iron and holds up to time and decay better than all others. One of my Elders has had his White Oak anvil base on a dirt floor in his shop for over 40years. He has made many knives, axes, and other items over those years on his prized anvil. I believe it to be a Peter Wright anvil.

[@HilderbrandOutdoors]

That’s cool thanks for sharing.

[@charleyventures687]

I honestly got chills when you lifted that packing blanket. Nice score.

[@markknister6272]

What a thing of beauty!! Almost makes me cry to see and hear it. Name: Haun. Base a solid oak tree stump. Looking forward to your version.

[@stephenwalz1315]

That certainly is a thing of beauty!

[@JerodMatlock]

I'm glad you have it so we can all enjoy it together

[@pelonganar]

That looping the straps on the anvil with the Cat gave me the fizz.

[@briansimkins9488]

For the stand , I'm thinking oak with all the grain vertical and laminated large piece's for stability and to avoid cracking. It would be a solid block with tapered sides. Now the tie downs would be an integral part of the block and that's another project within that one. It's pretty much a wood monument.

[@cariboudave]

there is a time in life where this type of object holds such a value beyond money. to have it come to your care, whoever gets it, its something special.

[@harveyroad6]

You lucky dog. Happy for you! Enjoy.

[@BabakPA]

That’s amazing!!! Thank you Cody

[@nealwalden3543]

How very lucky. Imagine the work this has been a part of. Glad its yours.

[@mtmpow3r]

This is amazing!!!

[@kpakaify]

Congratulations! thank you for video

[@wruehl]

Older blacksmiths' anvils are often stamped with a three-digit number indicating their total weight in hundredweight, quarter-hundredweight (28 lb, abbreviated qr), and pounds. Thus, an anvil stamped "1.1. 8" will weigh 148 lb (112 lb + 28 lb + 8 lb).

[@triatheletewolf7279]

Glad you found your dream!!! Keep chasing them!!! God Bless!!!!

[@maehay4065]

I will enjoy seeing what you come up with for the base for your old anvil 👍✅

[@karsonbranham3900]

That is an amazing piece of old skool engineering!! Too cool for words!!

[@beveryquiet21]

I love at about the 6 min mark when you are clearly no longer showing the hammer marks but now your lovingly caressing your new acquisition.

[@FuzzeeDee]

I propose “Wayland” as the anvil’s name. In Norse mythology, Wayland the Smith is a legendary master blacksmith. German mythology is directly descended from Norse mythology.

[@Cryxboy]

Name the anvil Ewig. It will outlive us all.

[@gregoryfadler3970]

Excellent tool, I wish you many years of projects with it. For your rebound comparison test consider that for an elastic collision: M1 x V1 = M2 x V2, M1>>M2. "The double head anvil" translates from English to German as: "Der Doppelkopfamboss"

[@gregoryfadler3970]

I oversimplified the equation a bit too much: M1 x V1i + M2 x V2i = M1 x V1f + M2 X V2f. Initial velocity is denoted by i. Final velocity is denoted by f. Your 422lb (about 192kg) anvil is much heavier than the 50lb block of mild steel. The anvil is much, much heavier than the ball bearing. Thanks for sharing!

[@CornishJohn]

I'm guessing from the 40s of non skip adverts at the start, this cost a pretty penny! But what a beauty. A real piece of history.

[@scousewillo62]

Stunning, I totally get it. I would call it Edwlweiss. I rings so clear like a crisp sunny Austrian day. Keep your technology and give me craftmanship every day. Congratulations on being able to care for that amazing anvil. That rebound has to be 98 to 99%. Thank you for sharing your find. Roy UK

[@patrickmcadams31]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your perspective! So true.. I like the name Klause.

[@RiccardoPelc]

Loved the analogy of being a caretaker to such a tool. My grandfather told me something very similar when I was a boy. Enjoy it Cody! Blessing from across the pond.

[@impracticaltacticaloffical]

You sir are awesome! It bring joy to my heart to see someone passionate about real craftsmanship and tradition, and truly feels a passion to keep a semblance of true masculinity alive. One day I hope to shake your hand.

[@chrisrice2083]

What a beautiful shop you have, your pretty lucky to have found that

[@davidmcclellan4621]

Definetely over 100 years old ;) Amazing piece. Enjoy it sir!

[@paradisefalls37]

Beautiful piece of Anvil history! Really nice to see the joy it brings you to own it! So happy for you to enjoy and use it! Looking forward to seeing the tools/items you are able to forge on it in the future!!