12 in. This mechanical nutcracker is designed in the form of a standing dog, resembling a mastiff or bulldog, mounted on a rectangular plinth. The item is constructed of cast iron and features a lever-action mechanism operated by the tail. Lifting the long, curved tail handle causes the lower jaw to pivot downward, allowing a nut to be crushed between the teeth. The dog's surface retains portions of a black painted finish with traces of yellow or gold-tone decoration on the torso. Faded red characters are visible on the left side of the neck, and a remnant of a paper label is on the right side of the body. Although this style of nutcracker is frequently associated with early 20th-century makers like Harper Supply or A.C. Williams, no cast-in manufacturer name or patent date is present.