Steinbach Baron von Steuben German Nutcracker - Introduced in 2008, handsigned by Karla Steinbach. This nutcracker is handcrafted in Germany and measures approx. 16.25" Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben (September 17, 1730 ? November 28, 1794) was a German-Prussian army officer who served as Inspector General of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. In 1769, he started using the title of Baron, based on a falsified lineage prepared by his father. He is credited with teaching the Continental Army the essentials of military drill and discipline, helping to guide it to victory. He wrote the book that became the standard United States drill manual until the War of 1812, and served essentially as General George Washington's Chief of Staff in the final years of the war.