Photos provided by Andy Mason, UK, digitally processed and grouped by Jock Dempsey.

Andy's collection includes swage blocks, anvils, stakes and other blacksmithing and metalworking tools. The ages range from 17th or 18th century to 20th century tools. Many of these tools are disticntly English or European and not seen in North America or most known publications.

Like many old tools the age and origins are often hard to determine. Many of these could be Continental as easily as English.

Sheet metal working stakes are used by a variety of industries. Artists use them to produce large and small sculpture. The early autobody and aircraft industry used them extensivly along with the English Wheel and other sheet metal forming machinery. Besides the commercial sheet metal business they are still used in custom autobody work and low production air craft construction. Armourers and artists use many of the same tools.

1.   Two Unique T-Stakes
A pair of stakes obviously made by the same manufacturer. Cast steel.


2.   Unique Short Cone Stake
A type not seen in catalogs. Cast steel or ductile iron.


3.   Two Heavy Dome Stakes
Appear to be cast.


4.   Four Mushroom Stakes
Common stakes, one cast, three forged.

5.   Old English S Anvil
Another distinctive S anvil.


6.   Old Wrought Iron English Stake Anvil
Anceint forged blacksmiths stake anvil


7.   Round and Square Heal Long arm Stake
Forged stake with steel inserts.


8.   Tunnel Stake
Listed in catalogs but rarely seen. Forged.
9.   Group of Four Stakes . . more . .
Four sheet metal stakes, Half Moon, Knife, Flat and Elliptical.


10.   Mystery Anvil
Its definitely a 19th century anvil but what was it used for?
Flash slide show.


11.   Four More Half Moon Stakes



12.   Hand Forged Knife Stake
Old forged stake with forge weld. Details of three knife stake welds


13.   Odd Group of Junk Stakes
Odd, modified and worn out old stakes.


14.   Large Combination Stake
Graceful cast stake.