V.W.
ditto LoveTeachingMath. They are the best.. My parents had one like that when I was growing up, and it took me years to finally get one for myself. I don't know why I waited so long...
My grandmother has the best nut cracker in the world. I used to love sitting outside on her deck and opening the nuts. I am looking for one similar and this time of the year will be the time to get it.
This one feels (by weight) like cast iron. Has a solid base, and is painted black. Hers sits in a wicker basket which I dont believe is custom to the nut cracker. Only one part moves and that is the top cracking part. I have not googled it yet, hoping you ladies had idea's. (p.s. looks old so I dont know if this one is available. )
ditto LoveTeachingMath. They are the best.. My parents had one like that when I was growing up, and it took me years to finally get one for myself. I don't know why I waited so long...
Ask your grandmother where she got hers. If she doesn't remember, look on ebay.
Sounds like a vintage cast iron one from the 20's or even before. We go antiquing all the time and see them frequently. There are even reproductions that came out in the 70's but they aren't cheap. Real ones can be anywhere from 200 to several thousand depending on the character and age. The repro's will be about 50 to a 100 usually.
I'd call some local antique shops and see if anyone has one. Here in Omaha there is no shortage of them at antique shows and shops. Lots of people collect cast iron toys, novelties and such. Good luck!
This is what my mom and my grandma both have/had, although I'm pretty sure my grandmother's was probably cast iron.
http://www.amazon.com/Duke-Company-Pecan-Cracker-Crackers...
Amazon has all kinds. This one looks nifty: http://www.amazon.com/SLFC-Vintage-Cast-Iron-Nutcracker/d...