Steinbach limited editions can run as high as 12,000 ... collection to stick with German nutcrackers; those made by Ulbricht and Steinbach are clearly marked. “The quality is far superior ...

She and her husband, George, founded the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Wash. Many German manufacturers focused on standing figures and developed distinct artistic styles.

German manufacturer Rascher doesn't start carving its nutcrackers until an order is placed. The orange-clad William Tell figure has a bow and an apple with an arrow through it; the green Jager ...