Nutcrackers

Nutcrackers of many types have been used through the centuries. At first the nutcracker was probably strong teeth or a hammer. The first metal nutcracker dates from the third or fourth century B.C. But by the nineteenth century, many elaborate and ingenious types were made. Levers, screws, and hammer adaptations were the most popular. Because nutcrackers are still useful, they are still being made, some in the old styles. For more information, explore our identification guides for kitchenware and metal.