Vintage German Wood Nutcracker Soldier Expertic Erzgebirge Vintage Nutcracker Erzgebirge Expertic DDR East Germany Palace Guard Carved Wood Natural Wood Grain Rabbit Fur Rifle Hand Painted 16 inches I came across this beautiful vintage solid wood Nutcracker at a recent Estate Sale. The Nutcracker is large and stands 16” tall and weighs 1 lb. 10 oz. On the bottom of the base is a stamp that reads “Ges. gesch. Mr. BX11 â“ 1112 “and a label that reads “Original ERZGEBIRGE, Expertic, DDR”. I did some research and found that Gesetzlich geschotzt (abbreviated Ges. gesch.) means protected by law, patented, copyrighted. Also, Expertic was the label placed on collectibles made in the former East Germany during DDR times. The Expertic Trade Association was formed in 1968 to sell the Erzgebirge Christmas items. Items with the Expertic sticker were made between 1968 until the wall came down in 1989. Although there is no actual date on the nutcracker, this provides a way to approximate the age. The person running the sale said this was purchased on a trip to Germany around 1980. This is the Palace Guard and he is in excellent condition. This nutcracker is unusual in that he is made of vintage natural wood in various shades of brown that shows the gorgeous grain. He has on a tall black fur hat (not sure what it is made from) and has a white beard that I believe is rabbit fur. There is a rifle by his side. He has hand painted features, blue eyes, moustache, lips and teeth. This Palace Guard would make a great gift for anyone who collects vintage nutcrackers. It represents not only the fine German craftsmanship, but a part of history of Germany when it was isolated by the wall. This item will be sent Parcel Post with Delivery Confirmation. For more information about me and booth policies please click on Starfisher's Stars at the top of this page. It will take you to my main booth page, then click on More Booth Details at the top next to the banner. Thanks for visiting my booth!