This Elastolin figure depicts a Prussian soldier of the First World War being struck by a bullet. Standing 10 cm tall, this figure belongs to the classic composition figures manufactured by the company O. & M. Hausser in Ludwigsburg, which dominated the toy and collector market during the first half of the 20th century.

The Hausser company began producing toy figures in the early 20th century and developed the material Elastolin, a composition made from casein, chalk, glycerin, and other additives applied to a wire armature. This material was considerably more durable than traditional lead figures and allowed for more detailed modeling. This production method revolutionized the toy market and made Hausser one of the leading manufacturers of military toy figures in Germany.

The depiction of a wounded soldier is a remarkable testament to the toy culture of that era. While such representations are viewed critically today, dramatic combat scenes were common motifs during the interwar period and even during World War I itself. The figures were intended not only for play but also to represent military reality, which included various poses and situations - from marching soldiers to wounded fighters.

The depicted Prussian soldier typically wears the characteristic uniform of the German Army during the First World War. The Prussian Army formed the backbone of the Imperial forces and provided the largest contingent of German troops. Uniforms during the war underwent various developments, from the initially colorful uniforms to the more practical field-gray versions.

The Condition 2 rating in the collector's world indicates very good preservation with only minimal signs of use. For Elastolin figures, which often saw intensive use as children's toys, this is remarkable. While the figures were more robust than lead figures, they were still susceptible to damage through paint chipping or breaks at the extremities.

From a historical perspective, these figures document not only military history but also the social history and mentality of their time. The production of military toy figures reflected the militarization of society in the German Empire and the Weimar Republic. Simultaneously, they served to process traumatic war experiences and kept the memory of the war alive.

The manufacturing technique of Elastolin involved skilled craftsmen who hand-painted each figure, creating variations even within the same model series. The wire armature provided stability while allowing for dynamic poses, particularly important for action figures like wounded soldiers. The composition material could be molded to show fine details such as uniform buttons, equipment, and facial features.

Today, Elastolin figures are sought-after collector's items that hold significance both from a military-historical and toy-historical perspective. They document the craftsmanship quality of German toy manufacturing and provide insights into the representation of military themes in the first half of the 20th century. The Hausser company continued production until the 1970s, with early figures from the period before and between the World Wars being particularly prized by collectors.