Title: A Word of Caution: Peter Wright Anvil Care and Handling

As a seasoned blacksmith, I've had my fair share of experiences with anvils, including the Peter Wright model. Recently, I acquired one that was in similar condition to yours - worn out and in need of some TLC. After careful consideration, I decided not to repair it, and instead, use it for leather work, riveting, and bench top tasks.

In my opinion, the price you paid for your anvil is reasonable, and if you're not satisfied with its performance, you can easily sell it or trade it in for a better one. Moreover, forging on the face of the anvil will help to wear it down evenly, making it more suitable for use.

If you do decide to repair your anvil, I would advise against hard-facing welding or grinding, as this may reduce its collector value and make it less desirable to other blacksmiths. Instead, consider using a sanding block to smooth out the face of the anvil, which will make it more pleasant to work on.

It's also worth noting that Peter Wright anvils are known for their unique numbering system, with different numbers and stamps indicating the type of steel used or inspection marks. According to Postman's AIA (Anvils in America), Peter Wright was notorious for putting various numbers and stamps on his anvils.

In conclusion, I would like to caution you against overpaying for your anvil or expecting it to perform flawlessly out of the box. With proper care and handling, however, your Peter Wright anvil can become a reliable tool in your blacksmithing arsenal.

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