Object number
59/1
Description
This nutcracker is of the lever type with a hinge mechanism. It is made of boxwood and carved all over with various patterns, including a face and hearts. It is stamped on the front with ‘1789’ and ‘Sarah’. It was initially believed to be French but this has later been questioned, and it has been suggested that it may be English.
Physical description
1 lever nutcracker: boxwood; good condition- broken lower jaw
Label Text
Nutcracker. This nutcracker dates from 1789 and features many carvings, including the inscription 'Sarah'. It was initially recorded as French, but this has since been disputed due to its pronounced head, which is typical of English nutcrackers. Of the few edible nuts native to the UK, the hazelnut has played the most prominent role in our history of food and commerce. They would have been an essential food source for prehistoric peoples looking to survive the winter. In medieval times, Kent developed a hazelnut industry which is still going strong today. Other popular nuts have been imported - for example, sweet chestnuts and walnuts were likely brought over by the Romans.
Archival history
MERL ‘Associated information’ form – ‘Name of Object: NUTCRACKERS // Age…: 1709 // Name and address of present owner: [...] Dorking, Surrey // Description of use to which it was put…: [pencil sketch] Probably French [insert] disputable - could be English MDF [end insert], made of wood. Slight fault at mouth. Carved all over.’, MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: NUTCRACKER // Accession number: 59/1 // Classification: DOMESTIC preparing food // Negative number: 60/2766 // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: [...] DORKING, SURREY // Store: small object // Condition: good - slightly broken in the jaws // Recorder, date: JMB 15.9.97 // Description: Beautifully made carved wooden crackers with hinge mechanism. Decoration consists of a face, heart, and other patterns and lines. Inscription: Date stamped on front 1789 // Name: Sarah // Dimensions: Length: 13.0 cm width: 3.0 cm// Associated information: This nutcracker was said by the first recorder to be French but other opinions say it could be English // References:', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Identified by Adam Schoon as an English cracker. The nose on the head of French crackers are flat and on English crackers are pronounced. 04.12.2012'
Production date
1789 - 1789
Object name
Material
Technique
Dimensions
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_2766.tif - High resolution image
