The Chubby Soldier Nutcracker
is 7 inches tall. The short, stocky built Wooden Nutcrackers Soldiers are red, metallic green, gold and black and stand on a black wooden base. This Nutcracker has a gold and black crown with a red plastic jewel on top. His uniform jacket is red with gold epaulettes, cuffs and buttons, metallic green sleeves and a black belt. These Christmas Nutcracker Decorations trousers are white and he has black boot tops. His feet are also the black base that he is standing on. Select to see a complete listing of our Christmas Decorations Ideas.

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 Large Nutcrackers.
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. Check out all our Nutcracker Ornaments for the holidays.

Military Uniform History:
It is unclear when the first military uniforms were developed, and for what purpose. Uniforms are typically a sign of well-organized military forces equipped by a central authority. It is important to distinguish between uniforms and ethnic dress. If a particular race or culture favored a distinctive dress style that could easily create the impression of uniformly dressed warriors. Select to learn more about Wooden Nutcrackers Soldiers. The colorful clothing of the Hungarian hussars became the uniform of hussar units all over Europe. Soldiers could also develop their own fashions, which set them apart from civilians. The clothing of the German Landsknechte of the 16th century is an example of distinctive military fashion. There are a few recorded attempts at uniform dress in antiquity, going beyond the similarity to be expected of ethnic or tribal dress. One example is the Spanish infantry of Hannibal who wore white tunics with crimson edgings. Another is the Spartan helot in his red garment. Select to find more Nutcracker Decorations ideas for the holidays.