Iron Nutcracker with Brass Accents and Turned Handles, Germany circa 1800

This rare and whimsical 19th-century nutcracker from Poland is crafted from solid cast iron and takes the form of a stylized cockatoo. A nut can be placed in the bird’s beak to be cracked, while a second functional element is integrated into the center of the body – making it a playful yet practical object. The detailed shaping of the feathers and the expressive form reflect the fine craftsmanship of the period and lend the piece a sculptural quality that elevates it far beyond a mere kitchen tool. Nutcracker collecting is a rich and varied field within the world of antiques. While the brightly painted wooden figures from the Erzgebirge are widely known, earlier examples were often made of metal and featured imaginative animal or human forms. Iron nutcrackers...

This striking vintage brooch by Gianni Versace is a true collector’s item and a bold example of 1980s costume jewelry. Designed in a large, extro...

Late 18th century brass nutcracker, probably from Denmark. The brass cracker top glows and is balanced by the brass ends with petite ball tips. Strong warm wooden handles are the p...

Carl Auböck nutcracker in brass and leather, Austria 1960s.