Collectible Nutcrackers

Many beginning collectors start with a King nutcracker then move on to the traditional Soldier, pictured here. What's the third item? According to holiday nutcracker dealer, Deborah Rogers, it's often a Chimney Sweep nutcracker, which is supposed to bring good luck.

People collect all sorts of nutcrackers for all sorts of reasons.

Some nutcrackers reflect personalities or hobbies.

Many nutcrackers are a direct representation of the holidays.

This is Clara from The Nutcracker Suite. Her nutcracker is in her body instead of in her mouth. The reason? The makers wanted to keep the small, dainty mouth. Nutcrackers that are in the mouth usually have large, masculine-type teeth.

You can purchase limited-edition nutcrackers. This Herr Drosselmeyer character nutcracker is numbered 114 out of 5,000 manufactured. These appreciate more quickly than nonlimited-edition pieces.

Nutcrackers that were made in the former East Germany before 1990 are considered more valuable as well. If you have a nutcracker that carries this sort of marking on the bottom of the stand, you have a very collectible piece.

Nutcrackers have been imported into the United States from Germany for centuries, but now they're starting to enter the U.S. from other parts of the world. The nutcracker on the left is imported from Asia, while the nutcracker on the right is imported from Germany. The difference? The heavier, hand-carved German piece costs around $200, while the lighter Asian piece costs around $50. The beard and hair on the German model is rabbit fur, while the beard and hair on the Asian piece is a synthetic product.