Designer: Carl Auböck II (1900 – 1957)

Item: Nutcracker model 4234

Manufactured by: Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Country of origin: Austria

Year made: Circa 1950s

Materials: Brass and leather

Dimensions: 6 ¼” x 2” x ¾”

Condition: Very good used condition.

References: Kois, Clemens, Carl Auböck: The Workshop, Powerhouse Books (2012); Wright Auction Catalog; The Workshop: Carl Auböck Designs 1930-1980 (2016). Auböck, Carl IV, die kataloge der werkstätte carl auböck 1925 – 1975, Carl Auböck Archive (2005); Auböck, Carl IV, die arbeiten der Werkstätte carl auböck – fotografiert von 1948 – 2005, Carl Auböck Archive (2009).

Description:  Here is another important Auböck design that is sometimes referred to as the “wrench” nutcracker.  Auböck produced a couple of versions, with different colored leather or cane wrapped handles and in other metals and finishes.  An example without wrapped handles is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.  These are heavy an substantial objects.

The brass has developed a mellow patina that one expects from an item of this age and it has some edge dings (as shown in the photo) from where it likely slid around in a utensils drawer. The leather is almost perfect. Signed with the correct Auböck signature and Made in Austria impressed markings. 

Although this model is still in production, we guarantee this to be a genuine vintage piece dating to the 1950s.