Schimmel Wood Carvings-Tidbits

Wilhelm Schimmel (1817-1890) was a German itinerant who lived in Cumberland County during the last quarter of the 19^th century. In exchange for food and lodging, often in people’s barns, he made wood carvings for them. Recognized now as a premier folk artist, his carved and painted animals, and birds, especially his eagles, bring thousands of dollars, and are displayed in museums throughout the country and held in many private collections.

The Carlisle Weekly Herald reported on October 1, 1874 that “An eagle, designed by Schimmel, now mounts the flag staff on the roof of the Thudium House. This is one of the finest hotel properties in this town to-day.”

Schimmel eagles decorated other buildings. The Penrose sisters operated an antique business in Carlisle from 1911 to 1954. At one of their antique sales in 1942 they sold a carved wooden eagle for $95 that was said to be a Schimmel. According to the newspaper report, “Miss Nellie Penrose said the eagle, which had a 35-inch wing spread, had been an ornament for many years on the schoolhouse at Plainfield.” ¹

On October 31, 1942, a sale of the property of the late Jacob Kost of Frankford Township, Cumberland County, was held at his tannery. On November 1, the Carlisle Sentinel reported the results of the sale. The article was headlined “$22.50 For Steak Plate. Other articles at Kost Sale Bring High Prices.” The article gives the prices realized for cups and saucers, a quilt, plates, etc., but it also mentions several Schimmel carvings that were sold. “Years ago,” the newspaper reported, “there lived a man in the country, an old German; named Schimmel. He made and sold wooden toys. One of these, representing the ‘Kaizer,’ sold for $7; two wooden eagles, one with its head off, sold for $5.10.”

At the Charles Grubb sale at Mt. Holly Springs in October 1943, a carved eagle supposed to be a Schimmel brought $6.²