I found it at a barn sale outside Lafayette, New York. The price tag had $20 on it. So I ended up getting it for half price. Usually, half price is a good deal. I’m not so sure with this transaction.
I confess to a weakness for rusty old steel tools at barn and estate sales. They beckon me from afar, draw me close, and tempt me.
More often than not, I can get away with just admiring the surviving relic. But the beauty and mystery of this old casting was powerful compelling.
The seller opined that it might be a shoemaker’s anvil. I had a hard time featuring that.
There were a couple other old timers (like myself) looking on with interest. Neither had any idea what the tool (if it is a tool) might have been used for.
Yes, I did the customary Google Image search when I got home. And, imagine my surprise when I discovered that it is an Egyptian wooden headrest!
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| Egyptian Wooden Headrest (click image for larger view) |
Well, it does resemble an Egyptian wooden headrest, but it isn’t wood. It’s cast iron. And I’m pretty sure the Egyptians did not work with cast iron.
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| (click image for a larger view) |
And so, the mystery is not yet solved. Do you know what this is? Or once was? Here are the critical dimensions.
Top length = 15-5/8”
Top width at center = 2-1/4”
Base length = 9-1/2”
Base width at center = 3”
Height at center = 4-1/4”
Weight = 7 lbs., 11.3 oz.
According to ChatGPT: "It appears to be a traditional blacksmith’s anvil, specifically a London-pattern-style anvil or a related older anvil form.
ReplyDeleteThe distinctive features are:
A broad, slightly curved working face on top.
A narrow central waist supporting the face.
A wide, heavy base for stability.
The horn-like ends suggest it was designed for forging and shaping metal.
The surface is heavily rusted and weathered, so it may be an antique or vintage anvil rather than a modern one."
"If you want, I can also help determine what type/period of anvil it is and whether it might be valuable."
Hi Cheryl, I just looked up what a London Pattern Style Anvil looks like. Not even remotely close to what this Egyptian headrest thing looks like. I think ChapGPT is fibbing.
DeleteMy first thought was "anvil" even before I read your post. I'm going with that. And I keep thinking I've even seen one like this.
ReplyDeleteHi Joy, You might be right. 🙂
DeleteTo me, it looks like a ship's cleat for tying up a ship at the dock. Problem is, how do you fasten the cleat to the boat? Some of them were welded to the deck, but if this is indeed cast iron, that wouldn't work very well.
ReplyDelete