A true piece of Norwegian design history: Vintage Kongetinn nutcracker with Viking-inspired decoration — decorative, functional, and collectible.
 
Material: Hand-cast pewter with metal nut-cracking mechanism
Item: Nutcracker (nøtteknekker)
Producer: Hardanger Bestikk
Period: 1970s (Kongetinn series, produced until late 1980s)
Condition: All three examples are fully functional; decorative handles in excellent condition. Wear is present on the metal nut-cracking part, consistent with age and use.
Markings: Kongetinn stamp
Packaging: Each comes in its original box, with variations in condition (see below).
 
Available variants
Nutcracker 1: Used, no noticeable marks or damage. Original box complete with intact plastic lid and original booklet.
Nutcracker 2: Used, with visible marks. Original box with lid present, though the box has a dent/damage on the top inside.
Nutcracker 3: Clearly used, with visible marks. Original box intact but with lower inner support damaged; missing plastic lid.
 
Perfect for the holiday season: these nutcrackers will look wonderful in a bowl of nuts at Christmas — both practical and decorative, and guaranteed to spark conversation.
 
The story of Kongetinn
Introduced in the early 1960s, Kongetinn quickly became Hardanger Bestikk’s most popular line, dominating sales for 22 of its first 30 years. Its motifs unite Saint Olav, Viking ships, Norse ornamentation, and the inscription “Heilag Olav og hans menn” (“Saint Olav and his men”). The success of the cutlery led to an expansion into the Kongekorpus line, adding mugs, candle snuffers, and other pewter objects in the same distinctive style.
 
Though production ended in the late 1980s, Kongetinn remains a beloved symbol of Norwegian craftsmanship. Today, nutcrackers like these are prized collectibles, blending mid-century design with heritage and holiday tradition.