The Elastolin figure of a jumping Heer rifleman with free-standing rifle represents a fascinating chapter in German toy and militaria history. This 7.5 cm figure was manufactured by O. & M. Hausser in Neustadt bei Coburg, one of the most significant producers of composition figures in the 20th century.

The Hausser company began producing toys in the 1870s and developed the revolutionary material Elastolin around 1910. This composition consisted of casein, chalk, glycerin, glue, and other additives, which were molded around a wire core. The material enabled more detailed and durable figures than the lead soldiers that had been common until then. The name “Elastolin” was registered as a trademark in 1926 and was intended to emphasize the relative elasticity and break resistance of the material.

The depiction of an Army rifleman in mid-jump with a free-standing rifle demonstrates the technical mastery of Hausser's artists. Such dynamic poses were particularly demanding to produce, as they required both artistic skill and technical understanding of statics and balance. The free-standing rifle – not resting against the body – presented a special challenge and testifies to the high quality of Elastolin production.

The military figures of the Wehrmacht were mainly produced in the 1930s and early 1940s. They served both as toys for children and as collectibles for adults. The uniform representations were remarkably accurate and based on the actual uniform regulations of the Wehrmacht. The figures typically wore the field-gray uniform, steel helmet, and the characteristic equipment of German infantry.

The production process was labor-intensive: first, a wire frame was bent, then the Elastolin mass was modeled around it. After drying, painting was done in several layers. Each figure was practically unique, as it was handcrafted and painted. The hand-painting also explains the slight variations between individual figures of the same series.

During World War II, production became increasingly restricted as raw materials became scarce and the factory was partially converted to war-essential production. After 1945, Hausser initially continued production with denazified figures, later with figures of the Bundeswehr and other themes.

The damage to the right arm of the present figure is typical for the age and material properties of Elastolin. Despite its relative robustness, the material was not indestructible, and protruding parts such as outstretched arms or free-standing weapons were particularly prone to breakage. While such damage reduces collector value, it also documents the authentic history of use and transmission.

Today, Elastolin figures are sought-after collectibles that document both the history of toy manufacturing and military-historical development. They are valued not only for their material worth but also as cultural-historical witnesses of an era when military toys were an integral part of children's rooms. The Hausser company continued production until the 1980s before ceasing operations. The collection and preservation of these figures contributes to the conservation of an important chapter in German industrial and cultural history.