Designs by Milford's Christopher Columbus

This hand-painted Christopher Columbus nutcracker was released in 1991 and was made by Susan Milford and her husband Walter. Susan had an artistic background and Walter was an expert tool and die maker; together, the two could produce around 1,500 nutcrackers a year. Walter would carve the nutcrackers out of maple wood while Susan would paint and costume them. The nutcrackers were sold under the duo’s company name, Designs by Milford, or through Christopher Radko Nutcrackers. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the couple produced over 40 different designs, many of which were historical figures, folk figures, and - of course - Santa Clauses. Many of their nutcrackers opened below the mouth, allowing them to create more varied and distinct expressions compared to traditional German nutcrackers.