Regarding the mystery of exploding anvils, I refer you to this:
And this:
http://www.youtube.com/results?pws=0&search_query=anvil%20shooting
NOTE FROM MODERATOR:
“Exploding anvils” were referenced in today’s column: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/3105/followup
… and described in the prior column of 12-Apr-2013: Has anyone ever been killed by a falling piano or anvil? - The Straight Dope – CKDH
I wonder if anvils could explode from being exposed to high temperature differentials and constant hammering, particularly if the anvil had defects or impurities in its construction.
Well, anvils can certainly crack. If the powder is loaded into a cracked anvil and ignites, it could potentially blow up the anvil.
Cecil did mention “anvil shooting” which I assume is anvil firing.
That wikipedia article also references an account of anvil firing dating back to the 1861, reference number 4.
Exploding anvils, falling safes and pianos? This sounds like a full Mythbuster’s/Straight Dope crossover episode!
My grandfather was born in 1883, and he told me he saw anvil shooting as a boy, presumably in the late 1880’s or early 1890’s.