Our Shop

Antietam Iron Works hand forges custom wrought iron railings, fences, balconies, and gates in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, DC metro area.   We are a small, family-owned business, which we started in 1982. We use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to create each piece, one at a time, hand detailed and often hand finished. As a result, each of our creations has its own distinct character and beauty. The preparation of the metal, the firing at the forge, the hammering at the anvil, and the finishing are all aspects of Antietam Iron Works craftsmanship. Antietam Iron Works has forgone mass production and imported materials.  We choose instead to hand make our products with high-quality domestic steel for your individual needs.  We intentionally strive to ensure your lasting satisfaction

Our work and restoration projects have been added to Mercersburg Academy, PA; Old Town Winchester, VA;  Grey Towers National Historic Site, PA ; Antietam Battle Field, MD;  and Hagerstown City Park, MD.

The Craftsman

James Gunnell is a 2nd generation, full time blacksmith.  He began as  a child assisting his father cranking the blower on the forge and  counting the scrolls as they were made.  After graduating from  college in 2006, he took over  as shop manager and lead craftsman.  Since his  fathers passing in 2013, he is honored to continue in his father’s  work. James Gunnell lives in the Pennsylvania Appalachian Mountains with is wife 3 kids, and 2 Newfoundlands.  He strives to uphold the American traditions of honesty and integrity with dedication to God, family, community, and craft with the sweat on his brow and dirt on his hands.

 

Our History

Antietam Iron Works began at the home of, Austin “Fred” Gunnell near Antietam, MD.  It was later moved to his historic property in Quincy Township, Waynesboro, PA where he kept his business and raised his family.  Seeking to live a more rural life and build greater opportunities for the business in 2005; Fred moved and expanded to Main Street in McConnellsburg, PA

Fred incorporated his welding and fabricating skills with his passion for blacksmithing to create beautiful, custom railings, gates, and fences for customers, but his real passion was for Christ.  His main aim was to touch others liveswith the good news of the gospel that had so radically changed his life.