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🌹🌷 Stop and Smell the Roses — A Pre-Reunification Steinbach Signed Original! 🌷🌹
Presenting the Original Steinbach "Nußkn. Big Rosenkavalier" Nutcracker (S603) — a charming, flower-filled gardener character hand-crafted in West Germany and personally hand-signed by Christian Steinbach on the base, dated Creator 1998. The "Made in West Germany" box label confirms this piece predates German reunification, a hallmark of authenticity and age that serious Steinbach collectors specifically seek out.
🎨 Character & Design
The Big Rosenkavalier (Rose Cavalier) is a cheerful gardener in full bloom: a bright yellow wide-brimmed hat with blue ribbon band and a red flower accent, white shirt with red bow tie, green fabric apron, and red painted legs. His white faux fur beard frames a rosy-cheeked, smiling painted face. He carries:
- A miniature wicker basket overflowing with red artificial flowers and dark greenery
- A small wooden bulb/onion with a tied ribbon flower bouquet in his right hand
- A wooden garden rake lying at his feet on the natural wood square base
📋 Key Details
- Maker: Steinbach Volkskunst aus Hohenhameln — Made in West Germany
- Item #: S603 ("Nußkn. Big Rosenkavalier")
- Year: Creator 1998 (base stamp)
- Base: "Made With Heart & Soul" | Christian Steinbach signature | Steinbach Volkskunst Hohenhameln Germany stamp
- Box: Original West Germany Steinbach box — S603 label, handwritten "(with flowers)" note
- UPC: 314130406732
- Approximate Height: [CHECK THIS — measure and add]
📦 What's Included
- Steinbach "Big Rosenkavalier" nutcracker (S603)
- Miniature wicker flower basket with artificial flowers
- Wooden garden rake accessory
- Ribbon-tied flower bouquet with bulb/onion accessory
- Original Steinbach West Germany shipping box
⚠️ Condition Notes
Very good used condition overall. All accessories present. Minor surface wear to yellow hat crown — possible small paint chip or dent at top edge (see photos). Faux fur beard and fabric apron clean. Box heavily worn with tape residue and crushing but complete with original S603 identification label.
🌟 The "Made in West Germany" designation makes this a pre-1990 production piece — one of the more historically significant markers in the Steinbach collector community. Combined with the Christian Steinbach signature and original box, this is a well-documented, desirable example.
Keywords: Steinbach nutcracker S603 Big Rosenkavalier gardener West Germany signed Christian Steinbach 1998 folk art collectible Volkskunst Hohenhameln floral spring flower basket vintage
