Anvil

An anvil is a tool used in the manufacture of other objects. People who work with anvils are smiths of all kinds. The tool has been in use since antiquity and although in modern times is associated with metal work, its origins go back to stone and flint work during the Stone Age.

An anvil consists of many distinct parts. The face is where the metal is is shaped, the pad is where chisel work is performed, the horn is used for bending the metal.

Some anvils are made for specific purposes and have tails, or holes for either storing tools or punching and drilling into.

There are many references to anvils in ancient Greek and Egyptians writimg including Homer's works.

The development of the anvil was perfected during the middle ages when iron working was commonplace. There are many designs for anvils most are tailored for a specific purpose or to meet the needs of a particular smith.

See also: smith, iron, steel, Blacksmith, Silversmith

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Anvil is also the name given to cloud formations that resemble the tool.

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Anvil is also the name given to the Incus bone in the middle ear.