$245.00
Maker: Elastolin
In stock
Product Description: A finely detailed composite figurine of Elastolin Benito Mussolini on Horse Composite Figurine, produced by the renowned German toy manufacturer Elastolin. Constructed from a composite material (sawdust and glue, typical of Elastolin figures of the period), this figure stands approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall and is hand-painted with remarkable precision, retaining strong color and detail. Light makers mark on bottom appears to be Elastolin.
Presented in excellent plus condition, with vibrant, well-preserved paint and no evident cracks or repairs—an exceptional example rarely found in this state. A striking piece of period political figural art from the Third Reich era, notable both for its craftsmanship and historical context.
Historical Description: During the interwar and WWII era, two German manufacturers—Elastolin and Lineol—dominated the market for composite military and civilian toy figures. Both companies produced highly detailed, hand-painted figures made from a material known as Masse, a durable composite of sawdust and glue applied over a wire armature. These figures captured the imagination of children and collectors alike, while also reflecting the militaristic and nationalistic culture of 1930s–1940s Germany.
Founded in the early 20th century, Hausser’s Elastolin brand became synonymous with high-quality military miniatures, including soldiers, cavalry, artillery, and political leaders of the era. By the 1930s, Elastolin was producing figures that closely followed the imagery of the Third Reich, including Hitler Youth, Wehrmacht, SS, and Nazi political officials—often used both for children’s play and subtle political indoctrination. Each figure was hand-painted, lending a lifelike quality, though the Masse material made them prone to chipping and cracking.
A major competitor to Elastolin, Lineol also specialized in composite figures, and in many ways matched or exceeded Elastolin in terms of realism and craftsmanship. Lineol figures were typically heavier and slightly more robust, with a greater emphasis on pose variation and anatomical accuracy. Their product range similarly included German military personnel, vehicles, and accessory sets, along with figures representing allied and enemy forces. Like Elastolin, Lineol figures were also hand-painted and made from sawdust-based composite over metal frames.
During the Nazi era, both companies operated under state scrutiny, and their toy lines aligned with official themes of militarism, nationalism, and ideological conformity. As metal became scarce during the war, composite figures became a more practical and accessible choice for middle-class German families.
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