This is a very well builts strong nutcracker with a fierce crowned lion's face on each side. It is magnetic so it is in the iron family. There is a slight bronze or copper pateen left in the creases of this piece. The only visible marking is an S or a 5 on the top of the lions crown. Since it comes from a collection of very old European (German mostly) antiques, I am guessing it is also an Eupopean antique.
