Mini Anvil found on Central Cal. beach...

[acethebathound]

Newbie here...hello!

I found a miniature anvil that had washed up on the beach this past weekend (Montana de Oro, San Luis Obispo County California).

It appears to be hand-cast (definately not a manufactured product) out of lead. It has quite a bit of what appears to be salt deposits on it. It is appx. 2" tall and 4" long.

I know nothing about sea-faring, but can assume that a mini-anvil would have come in handy on an old ship. Since it is apparently hand-cast out of lead and not forged in iron, I also assume it to be pretty old.

Does anyone have any ideas? Did I find a piece of history? Regardless, it is a unique and fun find.

I don't have any pics now, but if it would help I can post a scan of it later today/tomorrow.

Thanks!

[gsmeiers]

A picture would be neat.. How big is this thing?

[gsmeiers]

Nevermind -- must have been a long day... I see you included measurements.

[acethebathound]

Here's a pic...I was a little over on my measurements estimate-

It's 3" long and the top is a little more than 1/2" wide (a bit wider on the base).

[wreckdiver1715]

Welcome aboard the Forum, It looks more like a slightly encrusted boat cleat.

Q

[acethebathound]

Thanks for the replies!

I thought ?cleat? first too...there are no points of attachment though...how would it have been attached?

I don?t know how to check if it?s lead or not, but it definately isn?t iron since there is no rust...what else could it be made of?

Any guesses as to age?

[FISHEYE]

most likely its made of pot metal,pot metal is heavy like lead but very brittle,if you hit it with a hammer it will shatter,some of those old styrofoam sailboats like the kool ciggerette boats had cheaper pot metal cleats on them.cleats nowadays are either made of steel,brass,and sometimes chromed.

[acethebathound]

Thanks Fisheye...It could be pot metal. I don't wanna hit it w/ a hammer to find out though!

I'm still not fully convinced it's a cleat though...it's shape is not uniform (it's longer on one end then the other) and there are no attachment points or breakage points (where an attachment may have broke off)

I hypothesise that it is an anvil and that it may have been used to bend fishing hooks, and not necessarily used as a striking surface (it is too small for large strikes anyways), but that is all pure un-edumicated speculation!

Thanks all for your help!

[acethebathound]

Sorry Cornelius...I'll come back with more info later. I'll let you all know what I find out!

I'm new to this, mostly just a rock-hound (was looking for jade when I found this)...I didn't think it would be so tough a nut to crack!

Didn't mean to be so vague.

[surfrat96]

Pot metal? I thought that was Metallica!

[SASQUASH]

Hay ace lets see some of that Jade. I was just up in Morro Bay found lots of Jade. I have been tumbling mine. Just about done. Have you seen any Moon stones.

[acethebathound]

Sasquatch...Lotsa great rocks up this way! Cool that you've been up here! I can never go to the beach without coming home with pockets full of rocks! I'll scan some pics and post them here when I get a chance! I'd love to see some of your tumbled Jade...I haven't gotten a tumbler yet but would love to soon.

Found a nice Moonstone a couple months ago...there's also a "Moonstone Beach" up here that I've been meaning to check out but haven't had the chance.