In the 1816 publication of E.T.A. Hoffmann's fairy tale "Nussknacker und Mausekönig." Hoffmann wrote of Clara's soldier nutcracker: "Under the Christmas tree a very excellent little man became visible that stood there still and modestly. He waited as if they would all come to him." The box is accented with Austrian lead crystal jewels. Beautifully crafted in the style of the famous Russian Imperial court jeweler, Carl Fabergé.
