Images(3)

"Church Windows" Anvil

Date1743

OriginEurope

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOverall: 13 x 16 x 8 3/4in. (33 x 40.6cm, 8 3/4in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2015-198

DescriptionEarly anvil of classic hornless "church windows" hornless form. It has a single round hardy hole, two front feet and a flat back. Both sides have square lifting holes.Label TextAnvils of this beautiful form take its nickname from the resemblance of its twin concave faces to an early European church window. Since they were favored by Germanic peoples during the colonial period, it is not surprising that this example turned up in the heart of Pennsylvania "Dutch" country. With many diverse shapes, these ingeniously designed anvils were meant to be flipped over and used on whatever side provided the proper working surface the smith needed. Such anvils are thought to have been popular with armourers, who needed to work their metal into the deeply concave "windows" set below the sloping front plane.Inscription(s)The front sloping face is chiseled with a border containing the date "17 * 43."