Forged candlesticks
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Hand-forged candlesticks combine centuries-old blacksmithing craftsmanship with a lively atmosphere – whether on the camp table at a re-enactment encampment, in the marquee at a medieval market, or as rustic décor at home. In this category, you’ll find forged items ranging from compact table candlesticks, around 6 cm tall, to stately floor candlesticks standing 70 cm tall, made from wrought iron, carbon steel and brass.
What makes a forged candlestick special?
The key difference between a hand-forged candlestick and industrially manufactured alternatives lies in the manufacturing process. In hand-forging, the glowing metal is shaped by hammer blows – each piece thus acquires its own distinctive surface texture. Visible hammer marks, slight irregularities and a lively surface are not flaws, but the hallmark of genuine craftsmanship.
Why wrought iron and carbon steel? Unlike cast iron or aluminium, forged metal has a denser and more homogeneous internal structure. The grains of the material are aligned during forging, which increases its toughness and durability. A sturdy wrought iron candlestick can last for generations with proper care – historical originals from the Middle Ages, now on display in museums, provide impressive proof of this.
Typical finishes on hand-forged candlesticks include blackened (through tempering or wax sealing), natural with a silvery-grey patina, or an antique look achieved through selective oiling and ageing. Brass candlesticks, on the other hand, feature the warm golden hue that was common in prestigious medieval households and church interiors.
What types are there – from table candlesticks to wall sconces
Compact table candlestick
Small, sturdy and functional. Ideal for the camp table in a tent or as an addition to small market stalls. Takes up little space in your rucksack yet still looks impressive.
Candle holder with carrying handle
The classic portable candlestick for camps and markets. The carrying handle allows the burning candle to be carried safely – a feature that was indispensable in everyday medieval life and remains practical today for both LARP and re-enactment.
Floor candlestick
An imposing presence for army camps, banquet halls or backdrops. The wrought-iron floor candlestick makes a striking statement and illuminates an entire table or camp area. Also ideal as a prop for stage and film.
Steel wall sconce
For permanent installations in halls, marquees or vaulted cellars. The hand-forged wall sconce from the Ulfberth forge combines a rustic look with a sturdy wall mounting.
Brass candle holder
Authentic reproduction of a medieval brass candle holder. The warm golden hue and intricate craftsmanship make it a unique piece – suitable for reception rooms, castle hotels or historical collections.
Material comparison: wrought iron, steel and brass
| Material | Suitability | Character | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrought iron | Reenactment | Traditional, heavy, highly durable with proper care; develops a natural patina | Oil or wax seal; do not store in damp conditions |
| Carbon steel | Reenactment | Robust, uniform structure; develops a distinctive patina over time | Lightly oil; seal blackened surface with candle wax |
| Brass | Decoration & prestige | Warm golden hue; historically popular for church candlesticks and aristocratic households | Polish with a soft cloth; remove oxidation using brass polish |
Uses: Re-enactment, LARP, decoration
Hand-forged candlesticks are more versatile than their medieval appearance suggests. Depending on the type and size, they are suitable for a wide variety of situations:
Reenactment encampments: Authenticity is paramount here. A medieval encampment is hardly conceivable without open flames. Wrought-iron floor and wall candlesticks blend seamlessly into historically furnished encampments – the hand-forged material is well-documented by archaeological finds.
LARP events: For your next evening at a fantasy camp, we recommend the lighter candlestick with a carrying handle. It is portable, sturdy and can be quickly packed into your kit bag. Combined with medieval lamps and lanterns, it creates atmospheric lighting for the whole camp.
Medieval market decoration: Candlesticks made of wrought iron and steel go perfectly with other forged accessories for cooking stations, pots and cooking utensils. The warm candlelight enhances the market atmosphere and attracts visitors.
Private homes and catering: Castle hotels, themed restaurants and cellars benefit from the rustic look of hand-forged candlesticks. As a decorative element in private rooms, they add a personal touch that stands out clearly from mass-produced industrial items.
Stage and film: Hand-forged candlesticks are regularly used as props – the robust materials and authentic look make them the first choice for historical productions. In addition, film and theatre prop suppliers offer further accessories for such applications.
Price overview: What do you get in each price range?
Simple candlestick or small table candlestick (approx. 6 cm), hand-forged and functional. Solid quality for everyday use in the workshop or at home – ideal as a replacement or affordable addition to workshop equipment. The medieval forged candlestick with a handle also falls into this segment.
Candle holders with a carrying handle (approx. 21 cm) or floor candlesticks 60 cm in height. More elaborate design, greater weight and stability, some with decorative details. Good value for money for regular use at markets and LARP events.
70 cm tall floor candlesticks made of wrought iron or the brass candlestick as a unique piece with collector’s value. For prestigious furnishings, historical collections or sophisticated decorations – these pieces are not mass-produced, but genuine handcrafted items with character.
Care and longevity of your wrought-iron candlestick
Hand-forged iron and steel candlesticks are durable – but not maintenance-free. A few simple steps will ensure they retain their beauty for years to come.
Protection against rust: Seal blackened surfaces with a thin layer of candle wax or a mild oil (e.g. linseed oil). This protects against moisture without affecting the appearance. Particularly important after outdoor use.
Removing wax: Dried-on candle wax is best removed by gently warming the candlestick briefly – the wax will soften and can be wiped away with a soft cloth. Do not scrub vigorously, as this will damage the surface.
Storage: Store in a dry, well-ventilated place. Damp tent bags or airtight containers are unsuitable – residual moisture encourages rust formation. Dry storage combined with occasional oiling will keep the candlestick in good condition for years.
Patina as a mark of quality: The natural ageing of wrought iron and carbon steel transforms every candlestick into a unique piece over time. An even, dark patina is not a sign of neglect – but of a history lived.
Historical background: Candle holders in the Middle Ages
How were candles lit in the Middle Ages? In an era without matches, making fire was a skill that everyone mastered. The most common method involved a fire steel and tinder: striking the fire steel against a flint produced sparks that fell onto the prepared tinder (often cotton cloth or mushroom fabric). The smouldering material was then carefully blown into a flame. In everyday life, people often simply used the hearth fire, which burned throughout the day in households.
Historical terms: Medieval candle holders were referred to by different names depending on their design. The candlestick is the generic term; the candle socket refers to the actual holder for the candle (the ring or hollow cylinder into which the candle is inserted); the spike-type candlestick has a pointed spike instead of a socket, onto which the candle is placed – a particularly simple and common form.
Liturgical candlesticks played a central role in the medieval church. Altar candlesticks flanked the altar as a sign of the divine presence; processional candlesticks were carried during solemn processions. They were generally larger, often more richly decorated and made from more valuable materials such as brass or bronze than their secular counterparts in domestic households.
A well-known religious exception is the Chanukkia (also known as a Menorah) – the nine-branched candlestick used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. It bears no direct connection to medieval wrought-iron candlesticks, but demonstrates how deeply the symbol of light is ingrained in different cultural spheres.
In medieval bourgeois and noble households, simple iron spike candlesticks were the norm. They provided daily lighting for bedrooms and workrooms and differed mainly in size and quality of workmanship. The table and floor candlesticks now available in our medieval supplies range are direct replicas of these historical models.
Whether for your next medieval market, LARP adventure or simply as rustic décor – a hand-forged candlestick brings genuine craftsmanship and a historical atmosphere to any room. Browse through the range and find the candlestick that suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Medieval candle holders were referred to by different names depending on their design. The general term is ‘candlestick’. The ‘candle socket’ describes the ring-shaped holder for the candle, whilst the ‘spike-type’ candlestick features a pointed spike onto which the candle is placed. The latter was particularly widespread in the Middle Ages and is the simplest form of candle holder.
The most common method was to use a fire steel and tinder: a fire steel was used to strike sparks from a flint, which fell onto prepared tinder – often cotton cloth or dried tree sponge. The smouldering material was then carefully blown into a flame. In everyday life, the hearth fire was frequently used, which was kept burning all day in households.
Liturgical candlesticks are candlesticks specially made for church use. Altar candlesticks flanked the altar as a symbol of the divine presence, whilst processional candlesticks were carried during solemn processions. Compared to secular candlesticks, they were usually larger, more richly decorated and made from more valuable materials such as brass or bronze. The best-known religious exception is the nine-branched Hanukkiah used in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Regularly seal blackened surfaces with a thin layer of candle wax or linseed oil – this protects against rust. Dried candle wax is easiest to remove by gently warming it and then wiping it off with a soft cloth. Store the candlestick in a dry, well-ventilated place, not in damp tent bags or airtight containers. A naturally forming patina is not a quality defect, but a hallmark of genuine craftsmanship.
The Hanukkah candlestick is called a Hanukkiah (also known as a Menorah). It has nine branches: eight for the candles of the eight days of Hanukkah and one more for the shamash candle, which is used to light the others. The Chanukkiah has no direct connection to medieval wrought-iron candlesticks, but as the best-known religious multi-branched candlestick, it represents the cultural diversity of historical candle holders.