Welcome to the Errata & Addenda for Anvils in America!
This special section of the Artisan Ideas website is devoted exclusively to continuing the important work begun by Richard Postman in his landmark reference book, Anvils in America. Its purpose is simple: to preserve, refine, and expand the knowledge in the book — accurately, respectfully, and in a way that serves the entire blacksmithing and tool-collecting community.
What This Page Is
This page is a place where readers can contribute verified updates, corrections, refinements, or additions to the information contained in Anvils in America. Over the years, new historical documents, manufacturer examples, photographs, and serial-number data continue to surface. Some readers also own anvils pictured in the book and can offer clearer or more complete images of those same examples.
Our goal is to collect that new material and make it accessible so that Richard’s work can continue to grow—just as he himself added discoveries and corrections to the original edition through his appendices.
What This Page Is Not
This is not a discussion forum, identification service, or general Q&A site about anvils. Excellent forums already exist for those purposes (e.g., on Reddit, Facebook groups, or traditional blacksmithing boards), and we encourage you to use them.
This page is reserved solely for documented additions, improvements, and verified corrections to the content of the book.
How to Submit an Update
To keep this resource clear and useful for all readers, please follow these guidelines when contributing. All submissions should be sent to:
📧 AnvilsInAmerica@ArtisanIdeas.com
- Reference the exact location in the book
- Chapter
- Section heading
- Subheading (if applicable)
- Page number (optional but helpful)
Example:
Chapter 3 → Peter Wright → Identifying Peter Wright Anvils
- Describe the correction or update clearly
- What new information have you discovered?
- What source supports it?
- How does it differ from what appears in the book?
- Include documentation or evidence (if available)
Because Anvils in America is a reference work used by collectors and historians, it is very helpful—though not always required—to include any supporting material you may have, such as:- a photograph of the anvil or maker’s mark
- a catalog page
- a period advertisement
- a historical document
- serial-number evidence
- or any other single piece of verifiable supporting information
Only one form of evidence is needed. Please don’t hesitate to send something even if you think it’s minor — a single clear photo or a short catalog snippet is often exactly what’s needed. If submitting improved photographs
Please include:
- the chapter where the original image appears,
- the heading/subheading,
- and a brief description of the anvil shown.
High-resolution images are greatly appreciated, especially when they show identifying features more clearly than the original.
Our Gratitude and Acknowledgment
We are deeply grateful for every contribution submitted. Each piece of verified information—no matter how small—helps strengthen the historical record and ensures that Anvils in America continues to grow in accuracy and scope.
All accepted submissions will be credited to the contributor on this Updates page, acknowledging the time, care, and expertise you bring to this shared effort.
To participate, please send your contribution to:
📧AnvilsInAmerica@ArtisanIdeas.com