Antisemitic nutcracker - Fagin and Bill Sykes

Antisemitic nutcracker - Fagin and Bill Sykes

Brass antisemitic nutcracker - Fagin and Bill Sykes. Europe, early 20th century .

On one handle the figure of Fagin pokes its nose and holds in its hand a bag of coins, and the inscription FAGIN, on the other handle the figure of Bill Sykes, Fagin's partner, and his name.

The figure of FAGIN presented as a Jewish criminal and leader of a group of pickpocket children is taken from the novel 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens [published in 1838], the stereotypical character appears in the book as a Jew in neglected clothing and messy hair. In the novel, FAGIN is most blatantly described as an evil villain and may be teaching children how to steal, and is often mentioned not by his first name, but by the nickname "the Jew." Although in his later years, Dickens was disturbed by the stereotypical image he created, following the sale of his house in London to the Jewish banker James David, and in later editions of the book many of the "Jewish" mentions omitted refer to the criminal FAGIN, Nevertheless, the figure was accepted throughout Europe in various forms as a typical figure for the "jewish" crook and the thief.

Sykes plays In the play 'Oliver Twist',  the role of the burglar working in collaboration with Fagin. He abuses his dog and his girlfriend Nancy, and is described as the most violent and dangerous person in the book.

Length 13 cm. Very good condition.