Hi, I am doing some research into forging and metalwork and came across of picture of an apparently antique anvil. But it looks really rusted and pitted.

And I was wondering if it actually has much practical value any more. Because when I look at other anvils, they are all beautifully smooth on top, so obviously what you are hammering doesn't receive the same texture as the anvil.

So if an anvil is very rusted, even if you cleaned it up, wouldn't it just transfer the pitted surface into your work?

And the amount of work to grind the top flat would be enormous wouldn't it. So is a pitted and rusted anvil, just a decoration and has no actual use, unless you want all your work to have a pitted texture of course.

Sorry, if I am asking a stupid question.