Vintage 18” Erzgebirge German Nutcracker Santa W/Real Fur Hair & Beard For Sale

This vintage 18-inch Erzgebirge German nutcracker is the perfect addition to any Christmas collection. The nutcracker features a Santa Claus character with real fur hair and beard, and holding a sack of toys with a toy drum visible. The nutcracker is made of wood with applied wood painted eyebrows and mustache. The “fur” on his coat and boots is indicative of the 1950’s./1960’s. His eyes are bright blue and beautifully painted, as are his rosy cheeks and teeth. The paint loss is minimal. He is missing something from his right hand, that might have been a lantern or small Christmas tree. Inside his mouth is an indentation for cracking nuts. He is very heavy and stately.

The nutcracker has a makers mark on the bottom that I have yet to identify, but I photographed. The person I purchased from stated she visited Germany and Austria between 1950 - 1960 and purchased it on that trip.

*if you can identify, I’d appreciate knowing for my own education