A vintage mechanical nutcracker designed in the form of a standing dog, resembling a retriever or labrador, mounted on a rectangular openwork base. The dog is constructed of two cast iron halves joined by a central screw. It is secured to the base with four square-headed bolts accessible from the underside. The mechanism is operated by the tail, which serves as a lever to open and close the hinged upper jaw. The base is decorated with a pierced quatrefoil and scrollwork pattern. The upper surface of the tail lever features the cast numbers 2 4 1. No manufacturer name, patent information, or country of origin marks are visible on the dog or the base. Dimensions: 10 in long.