A Charming Cast Metal English Vintage Stylized Dog Nutcracker Signed & Recorded

It is cast from iron and is marked: Patent No. 375480 MADE IN ENGLAND

The breed of dog is also unknown to me (though I would suggest is as being a Mastiff) however I have seen other examples of this nut cracker. All are of the same dog breed and later ones are brass and not marked.

Later examples of either type are 0.25 inches smaller and with square iron or brass bases and are not free standing. The example here is an excellent of its type.

The patent would have been applied for due to the marvellous hand mechanism which when lifting the dogs tail, its mouth opens to accept a nut and,by lowering the tail again, the nut is cracked by the combination of weight & leverage.

It is a playful & novelty nut cracker and filled with character (as my bruised fingernail can testify!) and the dogs' facial expression when causing it to open its mouth, never fails to please. The jaws of the dog open to 1.5 inches and with its inner horizontal ridges, its usage is not perhaps only confined to nut cracking?

It is in very good vintage condition with no rust, damaged or broken parts and all of the castings are fine & crisp.

Length: 9 inches Height: 4 inches Ear to ear: 1.25 inches Postage weight: 2k

Item ID: JJ325