![HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.](="//images.scanalert.com/meter/www.christmas-decorations-gifts-store.com/22.gif"){kind=small}
The Miniature Nutcrackers are 5 inches tall. The Miniature Nutcracker Soldier is wearing a shako style hat with gold chain, gold brim and black plume, green shirt with red jewel buttons, gold collar, epaulettes and cuffs, rust colored pants with gold cuffs and black boots. The Miniature Nutcracker Soldier has a black and gold rifle attached to his left side. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Soldiers.
Grenadier Soldiers.
The wide hats with broad brims characteristic of infantry during the late 17th century were discarded and replaced with caps. This was originally to allow the grenadier to sling his musket over his back with greater ease while throwing grenades (initially, only these troops were provided with slings). Additionally, a brimless hat permitted the grenadier greater ease in throwing the grenade overhand. By 1700, grenadiers in the English and other armies had adopted a cap in the shape of a bishop's mitre, usually decorated with the regimental insignia in embroidered cloth. In addition to grenades, they were equipped with contemporary longarms. The uniform included a belt tube that held the match for lighting the fuse; this feature was retained in later grenadier uniforms. Select this link to view our Life Size Toy Soldier.
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 Life Size Large Toy Soldier.
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 U.S. Marine Corps 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 Miniature Prince Nutcrackers.