These hand painted polychrome plaster anatomical models of the hand and foot show the bones and ligaments and were used in the 19th century to instruct students. Franz Josef Steger collaborated with pathological anatomist Carl Ernst Bock (1809-1874) at the University of Leipzig to produce models for the instruction of students. These were either direct casts or sculpted in plaster, porcelain or wax and Steger is known to have inquired into the early use of plastics. However, it is the plaster models for which he is best known. Steger's instructive models were sold through international catalogues and scientific shops in Germany.