The Chubby Guardsman is 9 inches tall. He is wearing a black stove pipe style hat with black plume and double loop gold chain. His Jacket is deep emerald green and gold with red jewel buttons. His trousers are deep red with gold cuffs and his boots are black. He has his black and gold rifle attached to his left side. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Soldiers.
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 Short Chubby King.
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 Rifleman Wooden Nutcrackers.
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 U.S. Marine Corps Soldier Nutcracker.
The Tradition of Birthdays.
Birthday is the name given to the anniversary of the day we were born. It is celebrated by a party with friends and family bringing gifts for the person who’s Birthday it is. It is also customary to treat people especially well on their Birthday. Select this link to view our Soldier Bear Nutcrackers.
Birthday Celebrations are not universal. Some people prefer name day celebrations instead. There are some who do not celebrate either because they consider the origin of such festivals as Birthdays, Christmas and Easter to be pagan. Then there are some of us who just don’t like to be reminded that we are getting older. Select this link to view our Palace Guard Nutcracker.
