Unusual 1982 Painted Carved Wood Folk Art Camel Pull Toy Walter & June Gottshall
Description: A hand carved wood and polychrome painted American Folk-Art Camel pull toy on wheels. The carving shows a camel with one hump standing on all four on a green colored flat platform having four wheels and a loop in the front to be pulled by. These toys were very common in the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s in Pennsylvania German Country where they were played with by children of all ages. The piece was made by Walter and June Gottshall in 1982 and is so marked on the bottom of the base. The camel has a black tail made of what looks like hair and is pointing downwards. The camel is yellow in color with black dots throughout. The camel has carved eyes, a red painted carved mouth, and black nostrils in the front of the face. The camel also has two pointy ears. The animal has black colored hoofs. The carving is made in the best tradition of Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art common in Southeastern Pennsylvania and especially Lancaster County, where this piece was acquired. A nice piece of American folk art to add to your Americana Collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: The piece is dated 82 for 1982.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~4 3/4" at its highest, to the tip of the ears, with the base being ~3 5/8" by ~2 1/8" with the wheels being ~3/4" in diameter. The camel itself is ~2 5/8" long, ~3/4" at its widest, and ~4" at its highest, again to the tip of the ear. The piece weighs about 1.8 ounces.
Maker: Walter and June Gottshall.
Marks: Marked "WJG/82" in two lines on the bottom of the base.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Truly a nice, very interesting, and unusual piece of American folk art, which would make a worthy addition to your collection of Folk Art pieces.
Condition: The carving is in very good condition with no breaks or repairs. The piece has minor scratches and minor dings. The colors of the camel are fresh and vivid. Finally, on the bottom of the base note the polymer covering the holes for the nails holding the camel to the base. One thing we note is the left ear looks like it is broken. However, close inspection appears to indicate that if it is broken, it broke during the making, since it is painted over. These issues of course are original to the making of the piece and will be a non-issue when the piece is displayed. All in all, this is a nice piece of American folk art in truly great condition after being around for over 43 years. It would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
