DCHP-1 Online
anvil 
n. either of two iron blocks used for firing a ceremonial salute in the absence of a cannon, the smaller being placed on the larger, an explosive charge being placed between them to be touched off by a blow from a hammer.
- 1860 (1950) Cannons and anvils were fired, the British and American flags hoisted in honor of the event.
- 1959 . . . men of The Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery are firing their 88th annual Royal Salute. . . . When the powder is properly laid, the right- and left-hand Hoisters, four in number, lift a small anvil by the "beak" and lay it across the big one. The anvil battery is now ready for firing. . . . New Westminster's anvil chorus dates from 1871 . . . the firemen were called by the name used to describe them by the Indians--hyack, meaning "hurry up."
- 1860 (1950) Cannons and anvils were fired, the British and American flags hoisted in honor of the event.