Nutcracker soldier sells at auction

2:12pm Tuesday 9th December 2008

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A NUTCRACKER soldier probably manufactured in Germany during the mid 19th century sold for £20 at an auction on Saturday.

The painted wooden soldier was auctioned off at the Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham on Saturday.

Germany has a history of producing brightly coloured soldier nutcrackers, which are more decorative than functional.

The main volume of soldiers was produced during the 1870s.

Auctioneer Peter Weeks said: "I love little things like this and being an auctioneer not everything makes awesome sums of money.

"Recently we were fortunate to have a novelty miniature oak chest, decorated with a picture by the artist Richard Simkin and this made £1,300, but because of the time of year we were delighted to be selling a festive item.

"I just wish I had a mince pie up on the rostrum to really get into the spirit.

"I hope it has gone to a good home and will be used as part of some Christmas decorating."

Auctions will restart on January 3.