The hole through these anvils is used to support a beckorn (beak iron) or chain swage that is wedged into place.
These tools look a little like an upside down parrot's beak and have rounded surfaces to dress the weld on the inner surface of a chain link.
Matching top swages on hinges were also used to finish the shape.
The hardy hole would often support a bending fixture.
- Dimensions:
- Height 10" x Width 4-1/2" x Length 27-1/2" (254 x 114 x 700 mm)
- Base = Length 15" x width 10-1/2" (381 x 267 mm)
- Weight: 228 lbs. (104 kg)
Chainmaking in the Black Country
A brief history of chain making and methods used in the 18th and 19th Centuries. By Ron Moss
Review with supplemental photos by Jock Dempsey
Chainmaking in the Black Country
A brief history of chain making and methods used in the 18th and 19th Centuries. By Ron Moss
Review with supplemental photos by Jock Dempsey