| |
Anvils
Lee Valley collection
|
|
Miniature replica anvils from the Lee Valley collection.
|
The reproduction in a smaller or miniature scale from an original
has been a fascination for many craftsmen and hobbyists. However,
it is certainly not the suggested answer for this group of small anvils
from the Lee Valley collection of tools. There have been many
discussions about scale replicas of a full-sized item, and
the four anvils shown here all have different explanations as to their
origin.
|
Anvil 1: Possibly a salesman's sample or perhaps
from an early children's toy kit. Salesmen's samples allowed
the itinerant salesman to carry a range of products that reflected
the construction and appearance of larger items. In later years,
the printed catalog in some ways supplanted the need for the overfull
sample case. The phrase 'salesman's sample' is a much-overused
description.
|
|
This anvil was possibly a sales–
man’s sample or a piece from a child's toy kit. |
A promotional anvil.
|
|
Anvil 2: A true commemorative or advertising piece,
possibly for a foundry or other manufacturer. While a location
is often found marked on such items, the early date (1883)
is somewhat unusual. The real rarity here is the source, which
is Montreal, Canada.
|
Anvil 3: A jeweler's or watchmaker's anvil,
meant to be left on the bench. The chrome or nickel plating gave
an air of smooth precision, a quality often associated with the
skills required for this type of work.
|
|
This jeweler’s or watchmaker’s anvil displays sleek lines.
|
A souvenir anvil.
|
|
Anvil
4: The inscription on this anvil reads, "Veritas
Vincit," which translates to, "truth conquers,"
the motto of the clan Keith. The place marking, “Stonehaven”
(located in Scotland), is the home of Dunnottar castle,
which has a long history that includes sacking by William Wallace
in 1297. It's probably a souvenir piece made expressly for
the tourist trade.
|
|
|
