The original chandelier, on which the Jacob Rhoads Chandelier is based, was found in a private collection in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  We at the Stone House are proud to be able to reproduce this unique and fine workmanship for you, using the old tools and methods.
The outer edges of the chandelier's cones and center tube are folded over in opposite directions, and the pieces are then hand-formed using various stakes and mallets.  We then "join" the folded edges, and the vertical seams are now ready to be "set".  The individual pieces are placed over stakes of various shapes and sizes, and a hand-seamer is held on top of the joined edges.  The seamer is struck repeatedly with a tinners hammer, working from one end of the seam to the other (see detail photo).  The individual cones are now ready to be "joined" together and "set" horizontally.  We do this by striking the formed edges together using a tinners hammer. 

The candle drip pans or bobeches are hand-spun over a hardwood form. A solid forming wire is turned into the outer edges of the chandelier arms.  Upon close inspection, faint evidence of hand-hammering and forming will be visible, lending an air of authenticity and charm to this genuine reproduction.

 Adding to the individuality of this piece is the unique finish we developed (as shown in the photo) especially for the Jacob Rhoads Chandelier.  We leave just a trace of antiquing on the broader surfaces, and a darker residual antiquing in the recesses of seams, joints, formed arm edges and solder joints. We hand-rub the entire chandelier several times, culminating in a finish with depth, and a soft luster resembling a well-cared for antique.