This auction is for a beautiful old handmade wooden nutcracker from Scandinavia. It is made ( I think) from elm wood and has a beautiful patina which only comes with age.

The pattern is a traditional one common throughout Sweden, Norway and Finland so it could be from any of those countries. It was brought home by my grandad who was a merchant navy officer in the first half of the 20th century. It is hard to date it exactly, but the patina on the wood and the obvious signs of use would indicate some age.

Given the time he was sailing, ( 1920s to 1940s ) these could be pretty old.

Decoration is hand carved using a method called chip carving, typically done with a pocket knife.

There is a little wear and tear to the decoration around the jaws as one would expect. This was in use while my grandparents were alive but has just been in a cabinet since the 1980s. I’m moving house and need to drastically downsize so lots of bits to go. There will be more listed so keep an eye on my other listings.

Thanks for looking.