Vintage German Nutcrackers
by Paul
Vintage is a VERY slippery term. One persons almost new is someone elses almost antique. Unfortunately, it's the word used by the majority of nutcracker sellers who don't have a signed Steinbach or other major "name" to brag about.
It is, however, a great term for finding "sleepers" . A great many of these German nutcrackers came to the USA with German War Brides. That generation is getting old so more and more of the old and antique nutcrackers show up at estate sales. They are purchased by sellers who frequently know little about them. If you take the time to educate yourself there are bargains to be found.
An additional issue is the spelling of "Erzgebirge". It's not an easy word for a native English speaker to get right. For example, I found this spelling in the title of an auction "ERZABIRGE" although the seller got it right in the item description. Since most buyers search by keyword and don't include the item description in their search, this item will probably sell for less than it should.
Below is a small sample of the vintage German nutcrackers for sale now.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Can you help me-I just purchased a nutcracker with features identical to the red king you have pictured at the top of the page with your web logo over him. The mark has faded off the bottom of mine. Who is the maker?
thank you!
Ours was stamped on the bottom “Made in German Democratic Republic”. It also has a red and white sticker that says “Erzgebirge Made in German Democratic Republic.” Part of the sticker is missing but it probably included the word “Expertic”.
So it was made for export from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountain) region of the former East Germany but there is no way to know more about who actually made it. They were made in home workshops and have been known for their fine woodworking skills for many years.
I have a vintage nutcracker for sale on ebay that ends in a few hours. I have had someone from Germany offer me $150 for it. It is going at $4.99 right now. It has no markings except a scratched written signature on the bottom with a date that I can’t decipher. Is this worth more than I know?
Impossible to say without more information; such as the item number.
Item number: 170409391457
I have several steinback nutcrackers i bought in germany in the early 80’s. i can not find any pictures or price for them. do you know where i can get this information.i have search the internet from us to germany. thanks sandy.
Have you searched on Ebay? If you do an advanced search you can look at completed auctions. That would pick up those sold before Christmas.