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The first nutcracker was probably a rock.
But as civilization advanced, so too did the implements used for extracting the deliciously nutritious centers of nuts and seeds, and by the Renaissance, nutcrackers had become works of art. Formerly simple (non-figural) utilitarian forms became beautifully decorated while other (figural) forms were cast or carved in the shapes of birds or animals or people. Many of these devices were either lever- or screw-type machines made of brass or wood. (The simple hand-squeezed implement found today in almost every kitchen's gadget drawer is based upon the lever.)
By 1830, when the term "nussknacker" made its appearance in the High German dictionary compiled by the Brothers Grimm, the Erzgebirge region of Germany and Bohemia had already become famous for producing the now-familiar wooden figures with nut-cracking jaws. Popular as Christmas gifts and as household symbols of good luck, the figures often depicted people of authority, such as kings and soldiers, and inspired E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 Nussknacker und Mausekönig (The Nutcracker and the Mouse King). Hoffmann's tale was, in turn, the inspiration for Tchaikovsky's 1892 ballet The Nutcracker.
Though Tchaikovsky's ballet was not performed in the United States until the 1940s, it has enjoyed more popularity here than anywhere else. Coincidentally, US soldiers stationed in Germany after World War II began purchasing the unique figures to bring home as souvenirs. The popularity of the ballet stimulated interest in the figurals, and a collecting craze was born. Today, they are found everywhere and in every price range. There are little 3- and 4-inch ornaments from China priced for a dollar or two at the local discount store, up to the highly collectible limited editions still produced in Germany and selling for several hundred dollars each.
Of course, the collector need not limit himself to "nussknackers." The field is sufficiently broad to allow for specialization. There are Victorian sterling, silver-plated, and porcelain pieces. There are brass, wood, and ivory pieces from countries the world over. And there are cast iron pieces reminiscent of cast iron banks.
As with any collectible, price is related to rarity and condition. It is permissible to repair loose joints in wooden pieces with wood glue, but a crack in the wood will negatively impact price. Likewise, while dirt may be removed from a metal piece by gently cleaning with water and a mild soap (dry thoroughly!), the patina of age should be left intact. Some pieces comes in boxes decorated with graphics or have special tags attached. Save them. But plain shipping boxes are not worth retaining except as storage containers.
For more information, or to contact fellow collectors, the following are recommended:
Books
"American Nut Crackers, a Patent History and Value Guide," by James Rollband
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964124327/auctionbytescom
"Anri Woodcarving: Bottle Stoppers, Corkscrews, Nutcrackers, Toothpick Holders, Smoking Accessories, and More," by Philly Rains, Donald Bull
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764314211/auctionbytescom
"Nutcrackers (Shire Album)," by Robert Mills
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0747805237/auctionbytescom
"Ornamental & Figural Nutcrackers: An Identification & Value Guide," by Judith A. Rittenhouse
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0891455183/auctionbytescom
Organizations
Nutcracker Collectors' Club
Nutcracker Collectors' Club Newsletter (NL) is published quarterly: $15 (USA), $20 (foreign) per year. Single issue $3.75.
Susan Otto
12204 Fox Run Trail
Chesterland, OH 44026
email: nutsue at adelphia dot net
Web Sites
German Embassy Online
http://digbig.com/4ccec
Even the German Embassy publishes a history of nutcrackers!
Journey to the Land of the Nutcrackers
http://digbig.com/4cced
Article about German carved wooden nutcrackers.
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
http://www.nutcrackermuseum.com/Default.htm
Website for Washington State museum: histories of nuts and nutcrackers, pics, advice for collectors, more.
Nutcrackers for Collectors
http://www.nutcrackers.org.uk
History, pictorial page of brass English nutcrackers, sale/swap.
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