This nutcracker is ready for the kitchen, outfitted with apron, chef's hat and a giant wooden spoon. And still hot out of the oven: a freshly baked cake. Handmade by artisans of the Christian Ulbricht Company; they've been making nutcrackers by hand in Germany's Erzgebirge Mountains, where wooden nutcrackers first originated, since 1928.

This is a working nutcracker (the lever in back operates his jaws), made by hand of solid natural finish and hand painted woods. His beard and dark hair are lush faux fur. Just about 16 1/2" tall x 6 1/2" wide x 5" deep. Perfect not just for Christmas, our baker will gladly keep you company in your kitchen all the year long. Sorry, though: he does not do the dishes. Handmade in Germany.

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