Coats of arms, family crests and noble coats of arms are created in the Gerlach woodcarving workshop completely from scratch, lovingly carved by hand. Every heraldic coat of arms – including city arms, fraternity and combination coats of arms – is always a unique one-of-a-kind piece.

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Fraternity and student association coats of arms – tradition, pride and identity carved in wood

For generations, student fraternities, associations and corps have expressed their history, values and unity through a special symbol: the fraternity or association coat of arms. These elaborate arms are more than decoration – they stand for friendship, tradition, pride and belonging. Hand-carved, painted in colour and, if desired, refined with gold or silver leaf, each coat of arms becomes a unique piece.

The history of fraternity coats of arms

The roots of student fraternities go back to the 18th and 19th centuries. In a time of political and social change, groups of young academics formed who stood for freedom, education, friendship and national unity. From these ideals grew fixed structures, rituals and symbols – including the fraternity coat of arms, which presents the identity and history of each association in heraldic form.

The coats of arms often contain the colours of the fraternity, the founding year, mottos or symbols such as swords, oak leaves, bands or circles. Their design follows the classic rules of heraldry: colours such as red (courage), blue (loyalty), gold (honour) or silver (purity) underline the values of the association.

How a fraternity coat of arms is created in wood

Commissioning a carved fraternity coat of arms usually begins with a sketch or an old document. Based on this, a precise drawing is created in line with heraldic principles. On carefully selected lime or oak, the coat of arms is then carved entirely by hand. With great sensitivity and traditional carving tools, expressive reliefs with depth and character are created.

Afterwards the coat of arms is painted in colour: the fraternity colours are applied with hand-mixed paints, contours are drawn with precision. Gold or silver leaf highlights certain details. Every fraternity coat of arms is a hand-carved unique piece – made for honourable places, traditional rooms or festive occasions.

Why choose a hand-carved fraternity coat of arms?

Whether for the fraternity house, an anniversary, as a badge of honour or as a gift for distinguished members: a carved fraternity coat of arms makes the values and history of an association visible. It stands for permanence, community and exceptional craftsmanship. Especially in corps and student associations, the individual design reflects the unique spirit of each fraternity.

Who creates my fraternity coat of arms?

Master sculptor Manfred Gerlach specialises in heraldic woodcarving. In his workshop, large and small fraternity and association coats of arms are created – carved and painted in traditional craftsmanship. Every work is individually designed, coordinated with the client and finished with a love for detail. A true masterpiece that will last for generations.

Ornaments and woodcarving – timeless art in wood, crafted by hand

For centuries, hand-carved ornaments and woodcarvings have been a symbol of craftsmanship, elegance and artistic refinement. Whether as decorative elements on historic furniture, intricate carvings in sacred architecture, or custom designs on doors, timber-framed houses and ceiling beams – each ornament tells its own story. In the workshop of master sculptor Manfred Gerlach, such pieces are still created by hand – custom-made and truly one of a kind.

The variety of hand-carved ornaments

Hand-carved ornaments are more than decoration – they reflect periods of style, emotions and messages. From baroque acanthus leaves and Gothic tracery to Art Nouveau reliefs – the range is almost unlimited. Whether floral, figurative, geometric or symbolic: each ornament is carved individually, often based on historical models or newly developed sketches.

From idea to masterpiece – how a carving comes to life

Everything begins with an idea or a reference – perhaps a fragment of an old piece of furniture, a historic photograph or a simple sketch. A scaled drawing is created, suitable wood (often lime, oak or walnut) is selected, and the entire carving is executed by hand with traditional tools and a fine feeling for shapes, depth and style.

Whether carved mouldings, capitals, ceiling rosettes, stylistic frames, furniture ornaments or restoration elements – each piece is a handcrafted original, precisely matched to its architectural or decorative context.

Traditional and contemporary applications

Carvings for front doors and interior doors
Decorative ornaments for historic or newly made furniture
Restored elements for half-timbered houses
Carvings for altars, pulpits and ceiling beams
Custom mirror and picture frames
Special pieces for interior design or historical reproductions

What does custom woodcarving cost?

Prices depend on size, level of detail, type of wood and desired style. A simple rosette starts in the lower three-digit range; elaborate one-off pieces with deep relief and large surface can be considerably higher. Each project is calculated individually.

Who creates these carvings?

Master sculptor Manfred Gerlach has been creating individual woodcarvings for decades – from historical ornaments to modern style interpretations. With a sure sense of proportion, style and material, true works of art are created for generations. His work stands for:
→ Traditional wood sculpture
→ Custom work and originality
→ Ornaments carved with hand and heart.

Ornaments and woodcarving – timeless art in wood, crafted by hand

For centuries, hand-carved ornaments and woodcarvings have been a symbol of craftsmanship, elegance and artistic refinement. Whether as decorative elements on historic furniture, intricate carvings in sacred architecture, or custom designs on doors, timber-framed houses and ceiling beams – each ornament tells its own story. In the workshop of master sculptor Manfred Gerlach, such pieces are still created by hand – custom-made and truly one of a kind.

The variety of hand-carved ornaments

Hand-carved ornaments go beyond decoration – they reflect eras, emotions and messages. From baroque acanthus leaves and Gothic tracery to Art Nouveau reliefs – the design possibilities are nearly endless. Whether floral, figurative, geometric or symbolic: each ornament is individually carved, often based on historical models or newly developed sketches.

From idea to masterpiece – how a carving comes to life

Everything begins with an idea or reference – perhaps a furniture fragment, a historic photograph or a simple sketch. A scaled drawing is created, the wood selected (often lime, oak or walnut), and the entire carving is done by hand, using traditional tools and a deep understanding of depth, form and style.

Whether carved mouldings, capitals, ceiling rosettes, stylistic frames, furniture ornaments or restoration elements – each piece is a handcrafted original, tailored to its architectural or decorative context.

Traditional and contemporary applications

Carvings for front doors and interior doors
Decorative ornaments for antique or new furniture
Restored elements for timber-framed houses
Carvings for altars, pulpits or ceiling beams
Custom mirror and picture frames
Tailored interior design pieces or historical reproductions

What does custom woodcarving cost?

Pricing depends on size, detail, wood type and stylistic complexity. A simple rosette starts at a few hundred euros; elaborate reliefs or large custom pieces can cost significantly more. Every piece is calculated individually.

Who creates these carvings?

Master sculptor Manfred Gerlach has crafted unique woodcarvings for decades – from historic ornaments to modern style interpretations. His work combines tradition, precision and artistic flair, resulting in heirloom-quality pieces for generations. His promise:
→ Authentic wood sculpture,
→ Custom work and originality,
→ Ornaments carved with hand and heart.