Candle Mold Stake

Date1750-1820

MediumIron / steel

DimensionsOH: 9 1/2" OL: 18 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2012-49

DescriptionCandle mold stake. With two tapering "beaks," of different sizes, with square ends. Squared post with chamfered corners.
Label TextThis stake is smaller version of a double beak horn stake. As with many of the other tinsmithing tools in the McMillen collection, this stake got its name from its primary use, in the manufacture of candle molds. This stake could also be used for countless other tinsmithing tasks, where tubular pieces of varying diameters and tapers were required.

Tin candle molds are amongst the most common surviving pieces of antique tinware, and were made to cast a single candle at a time or in multiples. As the primary source for lighting before the mid-19th century, candles were a staple of life. Thus, there was a great demand for candle molds, one of the early tinsmith's best sellers.