Elastolin toys and figures by O&M Hausser, Germany

Elastolin is a trademark used by the German company O&M Hausser for the toy soldiers and other types of figures it manufactured from composite material and later from plastic. The Hausser firm was founded in 1904 by Christian Hausser and his sons Otto and Max. The factory was situated in Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart.

In 1910, the company began producing toy soldiers from a new material called Elastolin, which was a mixture of sawdust, glue, and pigments. This material was much more durable than the traditional lead soldiers, and it allowed Hausser to produce figures with a much higher level of detail.

Elastolin figures quickly became popular, and the company became one of the leading toy manufacturers in Europe. During World War I, Hausser produced figures of both German and Allied soldiers, and these figures were used by children all over the world to play war games.

After the more... war, Hausser continued to produce Elastolin figures, and they expanded their range to include other types of figures, such as cowboys, Indians, and historical figures. In 1933, Hausser began experimenting with plastic figures, and they introduced their first plastic Elastolin figures in 1955.

Plastic figures were much cheaper to produce than Elastolin figures, and they soon became the company's main product. Hausser continued to produce Elastolin figures until the 1960s, but they eventually discontinued them in favor of plastic.

The Hausser company continued to produce toys until 1983, when it filed for bankruptcy. The company's assets were acquired by a group of investors, and the Elastolin brand was eventually revived by the German company Schuco.

Elastolin figures are still popular today among collectors and wargamers. They are known for their high quality and realism, and they are a reminder of a golden age of toy manufacturing. less...