The described Lineol figures represent two charging soldiers of the German Army and belong to one of the most significant collections of toy military figures from the 20th century. At 7.5 cm in height, these figures represent the classic mass production of Elastolin and Lineol composition figures manufactured between the 1920s and 1940s.

The Lineol company was founded in 1906 by Oskar Wiederholt in Brandenburg an der Havel and developed into one of the main competitors of the famous Elastolin firm (O. & M. Hausser). The name “Lineol” was an invented word intended to suggest stability and quality. The company specialized in manufacturing toy figures from a special composition material, a mixture of casein, chalk, glycerin, resins, and other binding agents, which was molded around a wire frame.

The charging pose of these two soldiers is characteristic of the war toy production of the 1930s and early 1940s. These dynamic representations were designed to enable children and collectors to recreate military actions and battle scenes. The figures typically showed soldiers in various action poses: firing, running, with fixed bayonets, or charging, as in this case.

The Wehrmacht uniforms depicted by these figures were based on German Army uniform regulations from 1935 onwards. After the reintroduction of general conscription and the build-up of the Wehrmacht, uniforms were standardized. Lineol figures of this type typically show soldiers in field gray, wearing the M35 or M40 steel helmet, equipped with belt gear and armed with the Karabiner 98k rifle or other contemporary weapons.

Lineol's manufacturing technique was remarkably advanced. The figures were first fitted with a wire skeleton that provided stability. The composition mass was then pressed around this in molds. After drying, the figures were hand-painted, often using multiple layers of paint. The quality of painting varied considerably depending on the production year and economic circumstances.

During World War II, toy production was increasingly restricted. Raw materials became scarce, and factories were converted for war-essential production. Lineol continued to produce figures during this period, though often in simplified versions with reduced material use. Painting became more economical, and details were omitted. After 1945, production in Brandenburg, which was located in the Soviet occupation zone, was permanently discontinued.

The collector value of such Lineol figures is considerable today. The stated “Condition 2” indicates very good preservation, with possibly only minor signs of wear. Condition grading for military toy figures typically follows a scale from 1 (mint) to 6 (heavily damaged). Factors affecting value include the rarity of the pose, quality of painting, completeness of equipment, and of course, condition.

From a historical perspective, these figures are significant period documents. They reflect not only military history but also toy culture and the social attitudes of their time. The popularity of military toys in the first half of the 20th century mirrors the militarization of society and the role that military education played in youth upbringing.

Today, Lineol figures are appreciated by both toy collectors and militaria collectors. They serve as study objects for uniform research, as examples of craftsmanship, and as nostalgic memorabilia. Museums such as the Brandenburg City Museum preserve extensive collections of these figures as part of the region's industrial and cultural heritage.

The 7.5 cm scale became the standard for German composition figures, distinguishing them from smaller scales used by other manufacturers. This size allowed for more detailed modeling and painting while remaining affordable for mass production. The composition material itself, while durable, was susceptible to humidity and temperature changes, making well-preserved examples increasingly rare and valuable in today's collector market.