Like 7cm Figures; Three different 4cm Versions were produced
On the left is a 1st Version Queen, The Middle shows a painted flesh 2nd Version Queen and on the right is a 3rd Version Prince Valient.
Until recently no 1st Version /4cm figures were known to exist but the Queen on the left dispels this notion and recent discovery of a gift box containing a 1st version Prince Valient and Sir Gwain now prove that at least these three figures were issued in 1st version.
The only figures known to be issued in second version are the original series Normans and possibly some of the Landsknechts. There are differences between the 3rd version issues however. Early production (1960's) figures were painted with more detail and the weapons were molded in black followed by tan/beige and the common brown plastic of the 1970's. The early 1960's figures were sold in individually, packed in boxes of five figures. Later Hausser issued some of the figures in individual clear plastic boxes. Hausser also issued 4cm gift sets in Orange/Yellow/Black square boxes Early to Mid 1960's), Triangle Boxes (Mid to Late 1960's) and Rectangular Cello boxes (1970's)
The different 4cm Norman Styles or Types
On right is the very rare 2nd Version with pearl base. The middle shows an early 3rd Version with pearl base (1960's production) and on the right is a late 3rd version with basic green base. (1970's production)
4cm Box Sets
1960's Orange/Black/Yellow Gift Box
Hausser/Elastolin sold many 4cm figures in "Gift Boxes" up through the 1970's. The first ones were square orange/black/yellow Hausser generic boxes which they used on everything from 4cm figure to tin plate vehicles. Next the "Gift Boxes" were issued in "Triangle Boxes," colorful litho boxes with cellophane windows. The final 1970's production of box sets came in black litho boxes with colorful character drawings on the sides. The vast majority of "Gift Boxes" were exported to the USA and are now very to find. Prices range from $100.00 for the 1970's boxes to $800.00 for some the orange/black/yellow boxes.
4cm Triangle Box Circa 1964-1968
Note: The early pearl based figures with black weapons.
4cm Rectangle Box Box Circa Late 1960's-1970's
4cm Box that individual figure were packaged in the 1960's (usually five foot figures per box)
See the Landsknechts section for details on individual plastic boxes
Click Here to view Elastolin 4cm Western Production
FUTURE: Click Here to view Elastolin 4cm American Civil War Production
FUTURE: Click Here to view Elastolin 4cm Roman Production
Click Here to view Elastolin 4cm Landsknechts and Turks Production