I've been gathering what I can about this song and trying (in a very lazy way) to get to the original (purely because I like it). I can't find a version before Lippard published it first in 1846. Pat Garvey was inspired by the shortened version in a Time Life history. All the versions I've been able to find are at: http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/blacksmithstory.htm and the information Mr. Garvey gave me on the song itself is at: http://www.calonsong.org/CalontirSongs/blacksmithsong.htm

If anyone knows of an older version, I'd appreciate a pointer towards it.