2 VINTAGE ELASTOLIN SWISS MILITARY FIGURES.POTATO MASHER GRENADE

2 VINTAGE ELASTOLIN SWISS  MILITARY FIGURES EACH ARE TOSSING A " POTATO MASHER " HAND GRENADE**.  2 1/2" Tall.  These were made postwar by Elastolin from 1954 - 1966.  Elastolin is a trademark used by the German company O&M Hausser (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. The Weimar Republic revived the Stielhandgranate** , and created a new version in 1924, the " Model 1924 Stielhandgranate " (M24). While retaining the same explosive and fuse, the main distinction between the M24 and the original M15 is a slightly shorter charge head and the removal of a belt carry clip. Another change in the design was a lengthening of the wooden handle. The intent of these design alterations was simply for mobility; S oldiers could easily (and often did) tuck the grenade in behind their uniform's belt, held tight and secure . Being slightly lighter, and smaller in thickness, this improved overall use. The M24 is well known as the standard hand grenade of the armed forces during World War II. Adapting to the rapidly changing field of modern warfare, soldiers would carry the M24 directly in front, allowing quick and easy access. However, in the later years of the war it was often advised to carry them in a different manner, as it was very likely any sort of explosion or heat could light the fuse from the grenade on the belt, resulting in unnecessary casualties. The Model 24 Stielhandgranate was stored in specially designed crates during transport, which could carry up to 15 individual grenades. As a safety precaution, soldiers were advised to only insert the actual fuse assemblies when about to go into combat. Later in the war, however, many soldiers would always have their weapons ready, due to the fierceness seen in the Soviet Red Army in the east and the progressive advance of the Allies on the Western Front. During production, a reminder was stenciled on each explosive charge: Vor Gebrauch Sprengkapsel einsetzen ("Before use insert detonator"). DIMENSIONS : MEASUREMENTS: 2 1/2" HIGH.    CONDITION : OVERALL IN GREAT CONDITION - PLEASE STUDY MY CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS. PLEASE ASK ME ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE. ****THIS PURCHASE IS "AS IS". I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN IDENTIFYING THE COUNTRY OF THE SOLDIERS. BUT I DID A FEW HOURS OF RESEARCH to name these as "German" soldiers and that they are throwing "Potato Mashers". If you think they are representative of another country's soldiers- please let me know. Elastolins WERE MADE in Germany.  Will be carefully packaged.   Please view my other eBay Listings of collectibles and antiques - artwork, art pottery, crystal and depression glass, china, antique furniture, toys, jewelry, musical instruments, vintage games, and numerous STERLING SILVER fine items. THANK YOU