Images(2)

Tin Tools 2014-49; 2014-55; 2014-56; 2014-57; 2014-58; 2014-59; 2014-60; 2014-61; 2014-69; 2014 ...

Candle Mold Stake

Date1750-1800

OriginAmerica or England

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOH: 9 3/4" OL: 23 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-82

DescriptionCandle mold stake. With two tapering "beaks," of different sizes, with square ends. Squared post with chamfered corners.
Label TextThis early stake is smaller version of a double beak horn stake. As with many of the other tinsmithing tools, 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.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.