This Elastolin figure of an army trumpeter on a walking horse represents a remarkable example of German toy production from the 20th century. Standing 7 cm tall, it belongs to the classic standard size of Elastolin composition figures manufactured by the firm O. & M. Hausser in Ludwigsburg.

The Hausser company began producing toy figures in 1904 and developed the characteristic material Elastolin around 1926, a composition made from casein, chalk, glycerin, glue and other additives that was modeled onto wire frames. This innovation enabled more detailed and durable design than the lead figures common until then and made Elastolin one of Germany's leading manufacturers of military miniature figures.

The trumpeter played an important role in the military hierarchy of the Wehrmacht and earlier German armed forces. As part of the cavalry and later also in mounted army units, the trumpeter was responsible for acoustic signaling. Cavalry signals regulated daily routines, transmitted orders in combat, and served ceremonial purposes. The Army Service Regulation H.Dv. 130 and other regulations codified these signals precisely.

Mounted trumpeters wore their unit's regular uniform, supplemented by specific insignia of their function. In the cavalry, these frequently included special swallow's nests (wing trimmings) on the shoulders and special fanfare cords. The trumpet itself, usually made of brass, was decorated with colored pennants or shabrack covers that indicated affiliation to regiment or squadron.

The representation of the horse's walking gait in this figure is typical for parade and drill displays. In military context, the walk was the slowest gait and was used for formation rides, roll calls, and ceremonial occasions. The precise modeling of the horse's posture demonstrates the high craftsmanship quality of Elastolin production.

Elastolin figures were produced across various periods, with the time between 1930 and 1945 representing a peak phase. Besides Wehrmacht figures, the company also produced historical representations from the Imperial era. After World War II, production resumed, initially still manufacturing military figures until the company increasingly shifted to civilian themes in the 1950s.

The collector rating “Condition 2” according to the common numerical scale indicates a very well-preserved figure with minimal signs of use. This is remarkable, as Elastolin figures were intensively used as toys and completely preserved specimens with original paint are rare today.

The cultural-historical value of such figures lies not only in their craftsmanship quality but also in their function as historical documents. They reflect how military themes were present in everyday culture and education. Simultaneously, they document details of uniforms and insignia, providing insights into the material culture of the era.

For collectors, Elastolin figures represent sought-after objects today, with mounted figures being particularly valued due to their complexity and fragility. The Hausser catalog from various years documents the extensive product range and helps in dating individual models.