Original 1930s Elastolin Benito Mussolini Marching Personality Figure – Fascist Italy

An original pre-war Elastolin Benito Mussolini personality figure, manufactured in Germany by O. & M. Hausser, dating from the 1930s / early 1940s.

This striking period figure depicts Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini (Il Duce) striding forward in military uniform, wearing his distinctive black headgear, tall black boots and an impressive array of painted decorations and insignia to the chest.

The figure is particularly well modelled, with a highly recognisable portrait head and separately fitted articulated arms, a feature found on Elastolin's better-quality political personality figures of the period. The uniform retains considerable original painted detail, including the chest decorations, collar and sleeve insignia, belt and red trouser stripe.

The underside of the oval base is clearly moulded “Elastolin Germany”, providing excellent confirmation of its manufacture by the celebrated German toy manufacturer O. & M. Hausser.

Elastolin produced an extensive range of composition military figures during the inter-war period, alongside a fascinating series representing contemporary political and military personalities. Mussolini appeared amongst these named figures alongside personalities including Adolf Hitler, Hermann Göring and other leading European figures of the era.

Features include:

Original O. & M. Hausser Elastolin manufacture Benito Mussolini personality figure Marching / walking pose German manufacture Circa 1930s / early 1940s Composition construction Detailed portrait head Articulated arms Italian military/Fascist uniform Painted medals, decorations and insignia Tall black boots Red trouser stripe Original oval base Clearly moulded “Elastolin Germany” manufacturer's mark beneath

Condition:
Good original condition for its age with expected paint loss, rubbing and general surface wear throughout. Particular wear can be seen to the headgear, hands, uniform and projecting areas. The openings visible around the shoulders relate to the separately fitted/articulated arms. There is some age-related cracking/wear visible around the underside of the base. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Importantly, the figure retains the wonderfully aged appearance collectors generally look for in original Elastolin composition figures and has not been cosmetically restored for sale.

A particularly charismatic and increasingly collectable Elastolin political personality figure, and an excellent companion piece to an original Elastolin Hitler figure.