History of the Steinbach Nutcracker

For centuries, some of the most striking varieties of wooden nutcracker have been crafted by German company Steinbach. Prized by collectors for its authentic features and intricate details, a Steinbach nutcracker is a true Christmas treasure. Here's a brief look at this family operated Christmas nutcracker company. Originally from Austria, the Steinbach family moved to the German Erzgebirge region in the 16th century. Formerly rich in precious metals and ores, this once-dominant mining region began to turn to woodworking and nutcracker making when the metal supply dwindled. Steinbach Nutcracker Innovations Many trends we see in nutcracker collectibles originated with the Steinbach Company:

• While many early varieties of German nutcracker were fashioned in the likeness of authority figures like kings and monks, the Steinbach family altered this trend by creating nutcracker dolls to look like whimsical characters from German fairy tales.
• Steinbach created the first limited edition nutcracker, a King Ludwig II with a limited run of 3,000. This nutcracker fueled the popularity of the collectible nutcracker.
• The Steinbach family also began the trend of nutcracker dolls dressed in international, multicultural outfits.

The Steinbach Nutcracker Company Today

Today, Steinbach upholds its commitment to originality, producing the nutcracker in likenesses of a leprechaun, cowboy, or chef as well as the traditional soldier.

No longer nestled in the Erzgebirge, the Steinbach factory now calls northern German region Hohenhameln its home.

The Steinbach family still fully owns and operates its company, headed by Herr Christian Steinbach. His daughter, and current Vice President, Karla is expected to one day head the company herself, becoming the sixth generation Steinbach to operate this renowned company.