The Guardsman is 20 inches tall. He is wearing a black, gold and red stove pipe style hat with a black brim, glittery red, gold and black jacket with gold fringe epaulettes, glittery emerald trousers with gold cuffs and black boots. He is holding a silver and gold Battle Axe in his right hand that is as tall as he is. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Soldiers.
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 Short Chubby Guardsman.
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.
Birthday Cakes are usually elaborately decorated and some times follow a theme having to do with a talent or interest of the Birthday person. Select this link to view our Life Size Toy Soldier.
The Birthday Cake Tradition is for the cake to be presented covered with the same number of lit candles as the persons age. The Birthday person makes a wish and tries to blow out all the candles in one breath. If successful and he or she does not tell anyone the wish, then it is supposed to come true. Some people add an extra candle, “One to Grow On,” to help bring the Birthday person extra luck during the year. Select this link to view our Large Half Nutcracker.
Battle Axe.
A battle axe is an axe specifically designed as a weapon. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes. Many were suitable for use in one hand, while others were larger and were wielded two handed. Axes designed for warfare ranged in weight from just over 1 to 6 pounds and in length from just over 1 to 5 feet, such as the Danish axe or the sparth axe. Through the course of human history, commonplace objects have been pressed into service as weapons. Axes are no exception. Besides axes designed for combat, there were many axes that were both tools and weapons. Axes could be designed as throwing weapons as well. Axes were always cheaper than swords and far more available. Select this link to view our Fisherman Nutcrackers.
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 Soldier Bear Nutcrackers.