Bird · nutcracker

A nutcracker in the shape of a bird: the body forms the handle, the beak the lever — press the tail down and the beak closes.

Nutcrackers in animal form are among the oldest useful forms of small sculpture — the object has to work while looking like something else. Here the joint sits hidden in the body, so that you only see the mechanism when you press.

The piece is cast in solid brass. It has gone lighter on the raised areas — that is how brass behaves when it is handled over years: the surface tarnishes, and where hands pass over it, it stays bright. Anyone wanting an even tone polishes it; most leave the patina that has grown, it belongs to the age of the piece.

• Solid brass, cast
• Solid cast, distinct weight
• Nutcracker shaped as a bird
• Beak as lever mechanism
• Plumage worked in
• In working order
• No mark or signature

Good. The lever runs without sticking, the beak closes cleanly. Complete, no breaks. Surface evenly aged.