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 What makes the distinction between the everyday and the collectible nutcrackers? In order to answer this question, you have to know a little about the history of these items. The first one is believed to be metal and dates back to about 400 B.C. Since consuming nuts has been a staple of just about every civilization’s diet, it is no wonder that a type of mechanism would eventually evolve to open these hard shelled delicacies. Before a tool was invented, stones were used to pound the shell open, or people would simply use their teeth to open the shell.
So is age a defining factor in collectible nutcrackers? It can be, but that isn’t the only reason that people like to have many different collectible nutcrackers. Some people like to gather those that are all produced in one region, usually Germany. This is how they compile their assortment of these decorated mechanisms. Others tend to go with a theme, such as soldiers or animals. Some may prefer metal collectible nutcrackers while others tend to gravitate towards the wooden ones. Some try to find those rarities that are made of ivory, bone, and porcelain, although they are very hard to find because they were made of materials that tended to break easily so they did not survive over the years.
Some collectible nutcrackers are levers, while others are more ornate and for holiday decoration. Some are in the shape of animals and extremely simplistic to operate.
Over the years, you can find these apparatuses in all types of well-known figures such as Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader of Star Wars fame, and just about any other notable figure whether fiction or non-fiction can also be found. These are created for children, but there are also subjects such as King Arthur’s court which are aimed at the older crowd.
No matter what it is that you have decided to group together, you can be sure that there is one that will captivate your imagination and give you the feeling that you just have to have it!
These are available in lots of different sizes from the extremely miniature to life sized and every size imaginable in between.
They are such popular items that in the 19th century, a ballet was written about them and is a holiday tradition now as it has been for many years. Many people first learned of these machines used to crack open shells through watching this ballet when they were but children.
Some cultures believe that nutcrackers serve as a protector when in the house, and that they bring in good luck and harmony. For this reason and their practical use, it was common to give and receive them as gifts many years ago. It was a sign of friendship, prosperity, and good health.
While these are primarily something that is seen at Christmas time, many people choose to display theirs all year round. Some people have an entire room of their house dedicated to these unique objects so that they can enjoy them all the time, not just the holidays.
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