They have become popular in the United States as well, and a recreated "Bavarian village" even features a Nutcracker Museum. Many other materials also serve to make decorated nutcrackers, such as porcelain, silver, and brass; the museum displays samples. Carvings by famous names like Junghanel, Klaus Mertens, Karl, Olaf Kolbe, Petersen, Christian Ulbricht and especially the Steinbach nutcrackers have become collectors' items. Herr Christian Steinbach, also known as the "King of Nutcrackers", started the tradition of hand-carving nutcrackers and is being continued by his daughter, Karla Steinbach. Steinbach Nutcrackers vary greatly in price, anywhere from $100 to over $1000, depending on the collectibility factor and availability. The name Steinbach is recognized all over the world for the unique design of their wood carved Steinbach Nutcracker creations developed many years ago by Herr Christian Steinbach - King of Steinbach Nutcrackers. The tradition of creating hand-carved Steinbach German Nutcrackers is being continued by his daughter Karla Steinbach and granddaughter Karolin Steinbach. Karla Steinbach, Vice President of Operations, is the 6th generation to head the company. They are responsible for the product concept development, design, manufacture, and quality control at the Hohenhameln factory in the northern region of Germany. Steinbach Nutcrackers are the most popular nutcrackers in the world and are handed down to future generations. The Steinbach family started making nutcrackers in the 1800's. "To create one nutcracker," says Herr Steinbach, "can involve up to 100+ separate procedures. At one time, the curling and natural drying of the wood could take up to 2-4 years depending upon the piece." We carry the Steinbach line of Nutcrackers and have many pieces available. If you are starting a new collection or adding to your existing collection, you will love these unique masterpieces. The carving of German Nutcrackers — as well as of religious figures and of cribs —developed as a cottage industry in forested rural areas of Germany. The most famous nutcracker carvings come from Sonneberg in Thuringia (also a center of dollmaking) and from the Ore Mountains. Wood-carving usually provided the only income for the people living there. Today the travel industry supplements their income by bringing visitors to the remote areas. Steinbach Nutcrackers have become popular in the United States as well, and a recreated "Bavarian village" of Leavenworth, Washington even features a Nutcracker Museum. Many other materials also serve to make decorated nutcrackers, such as porcelain, silver, and brass; the museum displays samples. Beer Steins Cuckoo Clocks Globes |