The Elastolin figure of an army soldier striking with his rifle, also known as a “rifle butt striker” (Kolbenschläger), represents a fascinating piece of German toy history from the first half of the 20th century. This figure, standing 7.5 cm tall, belongs to the characteristic mass-produced items of the Hausser Company in Ludwigsburg, which became world-famous under the brand name Elastolin.

The company O. & M. Hausser was founded in 1904 by the brothers Otto and Max Hausser and developed into one of Germany's most significant toy manufacturers. The brand name Elastolin derived from the material composition: an elastic compound of casein, kaolin, bone meal, and various binding agents applied to wire frames. This innovative material mixture enabled the production of detailed, relatively durable, and cost-effective figures.

The depiction of the rifle butt striker shows a soldier in a characteristic combat stance, raising his rifle to strike with the butt. This pose was part of military close combat training and belonged to the training repertoire of the Wehrmacht and earlier the Reichswehr before 1935. The butt stroke with the Karabiner 98k or other infantry rifles was a standardized close combat technique detailed in military training regulations.

Elastolin produced extensive series of military figures from the 1920s onward, initially soldiers of the Reichswehr, later the Wehrmacht. Figures in the 7.5 cm scale (also referred to as 70mm figures) became the company's standard format from approximately 1933/34. This size offered an optimal compromise between detail accuracy, stability, and production economy.

The uniform representation of these figures was based on contemporary regulations of the German armed forces. Typically, these figures show soldiers in the characteristic field-gray uniform (Reichswehr-Gray or later Feldgrau 44), with steel helmet M35 or M42, belt, and standard equipment. Painting was done by hand or later partially through spray techniques, with experienced female painters responsible for detail work.

Elastolin's product range included numerous different poses and activities: marching soldiers, shooting infantrymen, machine gunners, officers, drummers, and close combat fighters like the rifle butt striker. This diversity allowed children and collectors to recreate complete scenarios.

The historical context of these figures is complex: military toys had a long tradition in Germany, especially in toy industry centers like Nuremberg, Fürth, and Ludwigsburg. During the era of National Socialism (1933-1945), such figures were also used for ideological influence on youth, propagating military virtues and martial spirit. During this period, Elastolin produced not only Wehrmacht soldiers but also figures of SA, SS, and Hitler Youth, as well as political figures of the regime.

Production of Elastolin figures became increasingly restricted during World War II as raw materials became scarce and production capacities were needed for war-essential goods. After 1945, production was initially prohibited under American occupation, then resumed under strict conditions, with military figures initially not permitted to be manufactured.

The condition rating of 2 according to the common collector's scale (1 = mint to 6 = poor) indicates a well-preserved figure with minor signs of use, which is considered very good for Elastolin figures given their age and material composition. Common damage to these figures includes chipped paint, cracks in the compound, or bent wire frames.

Today, Elastolin figures are sought-after collector's items that historically document how military themes were processed in toy culture during the first half of the 20th century. They are testimonies of the toy industry, social history, and military history alike. Collectors particularly value well-preserved, rarely produced variants or complete sets. The Hausser company existed until 1983 and also produced Wild West, Native American, and other civilian figure series after the war before ceasing production.