Founded in 1864 in Berlin, SCHMIDT + HAENSCH has established itself as a pioneering force in the development of precision optical instruments and analytical technologies. With a deep-rooted heritage in fine mechanics, optics, and engineering, the company has continuously contributed to scientific advancement and industrial innovation across multiple sectors.

Elastolin was a trademark of O. & M. Hausser - a company founded in 1904 by Otto and Max Hausser in Ludwigsburg (Baden-Württemberg, Germany). In 1910, the company began producing parlor games and mass-produced figurines. These mostly depicted soldiers and other war toys and were made from ELASTOLIN - a paste of sawdust, casein, glue and kaolin with wire frames in tin moldes. In 1935 the company moved to Neustadt near Coburg in Bavaria. After the Second World War, production was gradually reduced and the company was finally closed down in 1983. The Elastolin figurines had an oval base (not rectangular like their competitor Lineol).

Lineol was one of the leading Germany toy-soldiers manufacturer. The figures were made of LINEOL – combination of linseed oil and tree resin. Besides of military troops there were an extensive collection of the medical personnel – surgeons, combat medics and nurses as well as wounded soldiers. In the 1930s, LINEOL AG employed 300 to 400 people. Today the company operates under the "Lineol Dirk Duscha" brand name.