The Valiant Hunter Nutcracker is 18 inches tall. The Hunter Nutcracker has an elegant green, red and gold uniform with white jewel buttons and is carrying a long rifle. There is a free nutcracker miniature version included in the nutcracker box.
The Hunter Nutcracker is wearing a tall black faux fur Bearskin style hat. His uniform jacket is dark green with gold glitter in the front with red trim on the top and white with gold trim on the bottom. There are clear plastic jewel buttons on both sides of the shirt. The shirt cuffs are white with gold trim and a black belt is around his waist. His trousers are red and are tucked into black boots decorated with gold stripes at the top. He has a long rifle with brown stock tucked into his right arm. The Valiant Soldier Nutcracker stands on a square red wooden base with gold glitter trim around the edge.
How Nutcrackers Came to America
Nutcrackers have always been enjoyed for their whimsical expressions, authentic costumes, and enigmatic charm. However, nutcrackers also possess a rich history that goes back about 300 years. Nutcrackers carry with them a sense of tradition as well as an abundance of stories and legends of the past. Although nutcrackers have been around forages, they were not always the collectible items as we know them today. In fact, nutcrackers only became popular in the United States about 50 years ago. Select this link to view our Soldier Ornaments.
The practice of collecting nutcrackers in the United States began in the early 1950’s. Many of the GI's who were in Germany during World War II visited open air fairs or markets in Germany. It was there that they discovered a sturdy and intriguing companion in the nutcracker. When the soldiers returned home after the war, a new comrade accompanied them. Strengthened by the nutcracker’s ability to ward off evil from its owners, the soldiers brought a figure of power and protection to their families and loved ones. And so, the nutcrackers with their rich heritage had arrived in the United States, and were here to stay. Select this link to view our Krebs Soldier Nutcracker.
When Tchaikowsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker Suite premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892, the popularity of nutcrackers grew tremendously. The ballet became very popular in the United States in the early 1950’s and ignited the passion for these fascinating creatures. The magic and mystery of the ballet has intrigued and enchanted audiences year after year. The strong following of this classic production greatly increased the popularity of collecting nutcrackers in America. Select this link to view our Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Ornaments.
