Horological Anvil Appraisal

Miniature Brass Anvil

This item is a miniature or desk-sized anvil, likely used for decorative purposes, as a paperweight, or possibly for very small-scale work like jewelry making or watch repair due to its compact size. It is constructed from a brass-colored metal, exhibiting a rich, consistent golden hue that suggests either solid brass or a brass plating over another metal. The surface has a noticeable sheen, indicating it is polished or has developed a smooth patina over time rather than being rough cast. The form is that of a traditional anvil, featuring a flat, broad base that tapers upwards to a narrower 'waist' before flaring out again to form the working surfaces. One end extends into a pointed 'horn,' while the opposite end is a squarer 'heel'. The top surface shows a prominent semi-circular indentation, which could serve as a forming groove. The most distinguishing feature is the embossed lettering on one side: 'SHEFFIELD ENGLAND' is clearly visible, followed by '0742' and '449086'. These numbers likely relate to a model number, batch number, or patent number. The embossing is sharp and well-defined, suggesting quality manufacturing. There are minor signs of wear visible, particularly at the edges and points, where some darker oxidation or slight abrasion is present, consistent with age and gentle handling rather than heavy use. The overall craftsmanship appears to be good, with clean lines and a precise form, indicating it was manufactured with attention to detail. Its style suggests a mid-20th century or later production, given the clear, modern font used for the embossing.