Designer: Carl Auböck III (1924 – 1993)

Item: Nutcracker

Manufactured by: Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Country of origin: Austria

Year made: 1950s

Materials: Patinated and polished brass

Dimensions:  4 ¾” x 2 ¼” x ¾”

Condition: Very good.

References: Wright Auction Catalog; The Workshop: Carl Auböck Designs 1930-1980 (2016)

Description: We have seen this nutcracker sold by well-respected dealers and listed as a genuine Carl Auböck design and manufacture.  This, like the others in this finish we have seen is unsigned.  Wright auctions sold another unsigned version of this exact design that was ascribed as a genuine Auböck.  Many of his objects are not signed.

There are no dings, scratches or issues with the brass.  This is very heavy for its size and extremely well made.  The screw-down mechanism is so well machined that it closes on its own just with gravity.  That is the type of quality Auböck is known for.

This example appears to be in better condition than the others we have seen come to market, but we have conservatively graded its condition as there a few places where the dark patinated finish is faded due to handling and use.