nd 1920s approx 140mm long brass nutcrackers with a Devil’s head design. Wear commensurate with age, VG.
 
A vintage pair of nutcrackers with a “Devil’s Head” design (actually based on the great Sanctuary Knocker at Durham Cathedral. Those who ‘had committed a great offence,’ such as murder in self-defence or breaking out of prison, could rap the knocker, and would be given 37 days of sanctuary within which they could try to reconcile with their enemies or plan their escape). A brass circle with paper labels attached to the item has “From the Witches Mill Museum” printed on one side, and “Purchased from Ripley’s. Formerly the property of Mr. G. B. Gardner” on the reverse.