S/5563 Antique Treen 19th Century Fruitwood Nutcracker

A pleasing 19th century French screw type fruitwood nutcracker of traditional form, having a main section that has a circular opening to receive the nut, with a screw section having a flat thumb piece for ease of use. Eating hazel nuts was a popular past time at functions and theatrical performances in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The whole has a pleasing honey colour and patination.

Similar examples are illustrated in Treen for the Table by Jonathan Levi on page 166.

5 in. (12.5 cm.) Wide
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter French Circa 1860