For most of two centuries the Steinbach family has been producing fine wood products. Today, Herr Christian Steinbach heads the family operation carrying on the tradition with his daughter Karla.
Karla Steinbach, who is Vice President, is being groomed to become the sixth generation to head the company after her father retires. Together they oversee product development and quality control at the factory now located in Hohenhameln in the northern region of Germany.
Originally from Austria, the family dates back to Erwin V. Steinbach, a famous architect and master builder of the "Muenster" or Dome of Strasbourg in 1284. Through a series of wars, the Steinbach family was forced to relocate several times. Being Lutheran Protestants around the time of the Reformation, they suffered religious persecution. The family included architects, builders, merchants, judges, politicians, and militarymen.
The mettle of the family is evidenced in the quote: "If one does not work hard to earn the heritage, one will perish in the end or at best hold the stirrups for those who are on their way up." That fortitude was rewarded over the centuries.
The family settled around the Erzgebirge, a mountainous mining area which at one time was part of East Germany. This region was rich in gold, silver, tin, cobalt, and uranium, as well as timber which was needed to support the ceiling of the mines. As the metal supply dwindled, many families were forced to turn to the trade of wood-working. Wood carvings used as souvenirs, gifts and for religious purposes, were popular since the 11th century. The lathe became readily accepted by the people in this forest area and furthered the development of the art. Thus a new trade of wood-turning was established in the 15th and 16th century under the rule of Elector August the Strong of Saxony. It became so popular that a decree was published permitting wood-carving to only be performed by the native craftsmen and their families.
The Steinbach family started in business in 1832 by purchasing a timber yard and operating a wood sawmill which ran initially by water power and then by steam power. "You have to know a thing or two about the wood to work with it, because it is a living material with its own rules," explains Herr Steinbach.
Many of the members of the family lived in the area of Kirchberg, Erzgebirge. Here, you can see the beauty of the mountains, the highest being the Auersberg. At that time, the Steinbach family was spread out in small towns such as Bockau, Schneeberg, Schonheide, Hartmannsdorf, Schwarzenberg and Eibenstock. They brought their talents and know-how with them from their native Austria, including the art of embroidery.
"To produce one nutcracker," explains Herr Steinbach, "can involve up to 130 separate procedures. At one time the curing and natural drying to the wood could take up to 3-4 years depending upon the piece."
The major processes are described below:
The Cutting
First the wood is cut into specific sizes and shapes suitable for creating that special nutcracker.
The Shaping
The wood is put on a high speed milling cutter where the shaped parts are produced and carpenters then glue the pieces together under pressure in vises for further processing.
The Hand-Turning
This ancient craft involves the turn of a hand to create the smooth cleanly cut parts, freehand, from a wooden block.
Automatic Lathe
The lathe revolutionized this art. With automation, it allowed mass output of turned parts which are readied for final finishing.
Polishing and Drilling
Power drills and polishing wheels hum while the shaped pieces pass from hand to hand; here a hole is drilled and there a bevel is cut. All takes shape under the expert hands of trained polishers.
Priming and Spraying
Old experienced craftsmen do this work, which produces a smooth surface by repeated dipping and spraying, alternated with drying.
The Carving
No machine or technique can take the place of the simple knife. The art of the wood carver provides finishing touches.
The Painting
All the painting is done freehand. Each color dries before the next can be applied. Steinbach artists patiently create the unique personalities of each design.
In 1989, the Berlin Wall came down and soon after, all the Steinbachs were reunited in 1990. Another factory was then created in Eastern Germany in addition to the existing one in the West. The family now lives in Hohenhameln just north of the beautiful Harz Mountains. Herr Steinbach and daughter Karla, make many public appearances at special events and at collectible shows. Whether you meet the Steinbachs in person at such special events or collect these exquisite pieces for their beauty or secondary market values, you will always feel their special warm, friendly and contagious old world charm.
Now here is one of the REAL Nutcrackers
Mr. Cratchit and Tiny Tim
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We should now also check just how much time we have left before Christmas? The clock below is running and showing us the days and hours and minutes, yes even the seconds!
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