A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod and a head assembly pivotally mounted to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movable about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position accommodating pivotal movement of the head assembly. A pivotal latch assembly is also provided to prevent movement of the backup member from its second position to its first position.