German Nutcracker Shop

Steinbach nutcrackers are delightful wooden decorations hand crafted in Germany. They portray everything from kings, santa, religious figures and famous generals, to fairy tale and movie characters. Each year, new nutcracker models are released by Steinbach. Collectors are always anxious to see what the new designs will look like, hoping to find just the right nutcracker to add to their collection.

Visit www.german-steinbach-nutcrackers.com to see the new 2009 nutcrackers as well as earlier years selections.

A little history: According to German folklore, nutcrackers were first created to ward off evil and protect a home. That's why they all have such stern looks on their faces and are baring their teeth. Hopefully the stern expressions will scare away evil spirits and bad luck, and promote good health and luck.

The beginning of nutcracker carving dates back to the 18th century. Miners, in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) area of Germany, took up wood carving to supplement their income when the mines began to play out. Generations later, many nutcrackers and hand crafted items are still being produced in the Erzgebirge region.

German Nutcrackers Today: Today, after nearly 200 years, the Steinbach nutcracker company continues to produce nutcrackers using time honored traditional methods. The Steinbach company has two German factories, one in Hohenhameln and another in Marienberg, Germany. They not only create nutcrackers, they also craft incense smokers, music boxes and ornaments.

Steinbach Smokers: Steinbach smoking men or incense smokers, are wonderful items. They are similar to nutcrackers, but they separate to hold a cone of incense inside, allowing the smoke from the incense to drift from the mouth. They all depict a delightful character. Some smokers also have music boxes in them. Some smoking men even having moving parts, which are caused to operate by the playing of the music box.

Steinbach Ornaments: Ornaments are tiny 3" wooden creations, designed specifically by Steinbach, to be hung on a Christmas tree. Just because of their diminutive size, don't dismiss the detail and quality that go into making them. There are many people who collect Steinbach ornaments, just as there are those who collect Steinbach nutcrackers. Steinbach also produces mini nutcrackers, which are miniature versions of the full size ones.