North America, probably New Mexico, Spanish Colonial Period, ca. second quarter of the 18th century CE. A forged-iron anvil of a substantial girth with a conical lower spike that is neatly ensconced within a mortise carved out of the accompanying wooden block. The anvil features a broad pounding head, a broad protrusion on one side and a conical protrusion on the other, and a pair of integral lower loops. Both loops and one side of the anvil are incised with minimalist linear motifs, and the other side bears an inscription reading, "INGENIO DUQUE AGUSTIN CORTES 1730." Accompanying the larger anvil is a broad-faced peening anvil with a pair of spiral-tipped stop bars. The stop bars enabled the peening anvil to be easily transported and secured in the ground as a field anvil. Both anvils are covered in attractive patina. Size (anvil): 8.375" W x 8.9" H (21.3 cm x 22.6 cm); 19.25" H (48.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#155423

Minor abrasions and nicks to both anvils, with softening to inscribed text, one large fissure to wooden base, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout. Tag attached to larger anvil reads "The John Woodman Higgins Armory Inc, Worcester, MASS no 1633."