Sometimes whimsical and fun, other times quite stern and intimidating, the Nutcracker has become as much a part of Christmas in America as Frosty the Snowman and sleigh bells.
The Nutcracker dates back to the latter part of 17th Century Germany when a doll craftsman from Seiffen first made them to give to his friends as gifts. In time they became a cottage industry in the area around the Ore Mountains before spreading to other parts of Europe. By the end of the 19th Century they were being produced on a mass scale. According to German folklore they would bring good luck and safety to the homes they watched over, baring their teeth to evil spirits that attempted to enter in and bringing peace and goodwill to all those with pure hearts.
The popularity of the Nutcracker of in America is attributed, in large part, to soldiers returning home from Germany after serving in WWII. Seeking souvenirs, they purchased the figures at local Christmas Markets and brought them home to their mothers and wives as gifts. At that time they were not used as Christmas decorations. The coloration between the Nutcracker and Christmas would come a decade later with the first performance Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Ballet” in America. This charming story of a young girl and her friendship with a Nutcracker, who came alive on Christmas Eve, became a holiday classic and the figure of the Nutcracker became a part of traditional holiday decorating.
Collectible antique Nutcrackers have been produced in several European countries. German nutcrackers are among the most highly sought by collectors who watch for two names, Steinbach and Ulbricht. The Steinbach family of has a 200 year history of excellence with their bright colored characters from German folklore and those in the likeness of famous kings and leaders. In 1928 Otto Ulbricht opened his original workshop in Seiffen, a small town with a long-standing history of producing nutcrackers. In 1934 he expanded his to the larger company which today is is operated by his son under the name Christian Ulbricht. Collectors are especially fond of the figures marked “Germany” which were manufactured before the division.
Woodcarving has been a way of life in the Groden Valley region of Italy since the late 1700s. While they are mostly known for their nativities and other religious carvings they have also made hand carved, figural Nutcrackers since the latter part of the 19th Century. Of special interest to collectors are those from the works of Anton Riffeser in the 1920.s These were produced at Anri and will be artist signed.
From the Scandinavian countries come Nutcrackers in the form of fishermen, street vendors and seafarers. Norway’s Berdines Kaland established himself as a master carver in the early part of the 20th century, winning both the bronze medal at the Paris Exposition of 1900 and the gold medal at the Norwegian Exhibition in Bergen in 1910, before turning his talent to making Nutcrackers. His works between 1917 and 1929 are recognized by collectors world wide who refer to his jovial carvings as “smiling nutcrackers.”
When shopping for antique nutcrackers remember, they will be functional with as many as 130 individual parts. Watch for signs of use such as nut residue, depressions in the cracking device and faded paint that are indicative of pieces with age. The market is flooded with post-1990 “Made in China” figures which, while fun to own, should be easily purchased in the $15-$65 range, Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
