How can I commission a hand-carved ornament in wood?

Send a photo, sketch or a short description of the ornament you need (e.g. furniture ornament, door ornament, rosette, frame detail). Master woodcarver Manfred Gerlach proposes size, style and execution, then carves the ornament by hand and finishes it as requested (natural, stained, painted or gilded).

Which woods are used for carved ornaments?

For ornaments we use proven carving woods with a fine structure. Depending on motif and size, for example limewood and other well-seasoned woods are selected so that details can be carved cleanly and surfaces can be finished well.

Can ornaments be matched to existing furniture or architectural details?

Yes. Ornaments can be recreated from photos or fragments and adapted in scale and style so they fit existing furniture, doors, ceilings, frames or half-timbered details.

What influences the price of a carved ornament?

Price depends mainly on size, depth of relief, level of detail and the chosen finish (natural, stained, painted, gilded). Mounting preparation and shipping are also considered.

How long does it take to make a carved ornament?

The production time depends on complexity and quantity. For one-off bespoke ornaments you should usually allow several weeks. If you have a deadline, please contact us early.

Ornament information – hand-carved wooden ornaments

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about hand-carved and color-painted wooden coats of arms: family crests, noble coats of arms, fraternity and student coats of arms, city and municipal arms, company and association logos.

At Gerlach Woodcarving, all coats of arms and logos are created as one-off commissions in true craftsmanship. Each piece is unique.

? Go to the Heraldry Glossary

What types of carved coats of arms exist?

In my atelier, wooden coats of arms have been created for many years in a wide variety of sizes and finishes. Master Sculptor Manfred Gerlach most frequently produces:

Coats of arms for entrance halls, interiors, fireplaces, etc.
Family coats of arms for interiors, fireplaces, and entrance halls
Noble and historical coats of arms in traditional craftsmanship, carved and painted
Fraternity and student coats of arms for fraternities, student corps and association houses
City and municipal coats of arms for town halls, associations and public buildings
Guild and craft coats of arms for trades and professions
Military coats of arms for brigades and service branches

How your carved coat of arms is created � step by step

Every coat of arms is planned individually. From the first sketch to the fully carved and heraldically painted crest, many work steps are required:

Commissioning a coat of arms � based on your idea or an existing heraldic design
You send me a drawing or a short description by e-mail or post. I will gladly advise you on size and execution.
Design and coordination
Based on your proposals, rough sketches or collages, the proportions, helmet, crest, shield supporters and the ornamental mantling are coordinated with you. The design is adjusted digitally until you approve it. Afterwards the coat of arms is carved as a high-relief, painted in the prescribed heraldic colors and, upon request, finished with gold or silver leaf.
Selection of wood
I primarily use Nordic birch. For stability the base panel is laminated in strips to prevent cracking and warping. For strong relief depth, thicker areas are built up by gluing additional wood onto the base.
Hand carving
The coat of arms is carved by hand. First, the shape is laid out. Depth, light and shadow make the coat of arms appear lively and three-dimensional.
Painting according to heraldic rules
The coat of arms is painted in correct heraldic colors. Gold leaf and special finishes are available on request.
Mounting and shipping
Depending on size, we prepare the back for mounting and pack the coat of arms securely for parcel service or freight.

What influences the price of a carved coat of arms?

Since each coat of arms is unique and has its own symbols, every hand-carved wooden coat of arms is calculated individually. Two key factors are (1) size and (2) how elaborate the design is. Please note: small coats of arms (up to approx. 40 cm height) can be more time-consuming because the details are extremely small.

The number of heraldic charges (symbols) also plays a major role. Charges are graphic heraldic elements that form a coat of arms: animals, mythical creatures, objects or geometric forms, each with traditional meaning (e.g., courage, strength, faith). Many arms are �canting arms�, where the symbolism refers to the family name.

Size and format of the coat of arms
Level of detail: helmet, crest, charges, supporters, ornamentation/mantling
Effort for painting and gilding
Mounting preparation and special requests
Packaging and shipping costs

If you tell us your ideas regarding size, motif and execution, we will gladly prepare an individual quotation.

Heraldry and family coats of arms � why have your own crest?

More and more people want to know where they come from and who their ancestors were. In genealogical research, heraldry is a valuable help. A family coat of arms is a connecting symbol across generations � inheritable and also a special gift within the family.

A coat of arms is a visible sign of origin, history and cohesion. It can accompany a family, a noble house or a fraternity over centuries and becomes part of one�s identity � just like a name.

Inquiry about carved coats of arms by e-mail

If you would like to commission a wooden coat of arms or have questions about a planned project, simply send me an e-mail with some basic details about motif, size and where it will be displayed.

.......................................................................................

More about the craftsmanship can be found here:

How a heraldic coat of arms is made by Master Sculptor Manfred Gerlach.

Heraldry Glossary � Coat of Arms Information

Ornaments • Ornament lexicon • Ornament information

Enquiry to:

Master woodcarver Manfred Gerlach

Name:
E-mail:
Address:
Place of residence:
Message: