Elastolin Reichswehr soldiers making Stechmarsch/Gänsemarsch (Goose Step)

The goose step (Gänsemarsch) is a special marching step performed on formal military parades and other ceremonies. While marching in parade formation, troops swing their legs in unison off the ground while keeping each leg rigidly straight.The step originated in Prussian military drill in the mid-18th century and was called the Stechschritt (literally, "piercing step") or Stechmarsch. German military advisors spread the tradition to Russia in the 19th century, and the Soviets spread it around the world in the 20th century. Apparently, standing on only one leg reminded soldiers of how geese often stand. The term was later applied to the German Stechschritt during World War I and is nowadays heavily associated with Nazi Germany in many English-speaking countries. These Reichswehr toy soldiers are produced by Elastolin in 1932 - 1934 (Germany). You can also see the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918