Beer steins can be made of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, or ivory. An authentic vintage . The first steins were simply mugs with a hinged lid that had an attached thumb lift. Items made in Germany are known to have high levels of craftsmanship. These beautiful beer steins get their name from the German word Stein Krug, or stone mug, or Steingut, which means stone goods. These images are in deep relief, and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted. (that's pre world war II in stein world) German beer steins in undamaged condition. Limited Edition Mark: Mugs made intentionally to be collections may be labeled with the occasion being remembered, the date, and the number of mugs produced. You may have noticed we have a lot of Mettlachs on this list of valuable beer steins. $ 119.39 $ 137.39. The gold standard among German beer stein manufacturers Villeroy and Boch Co. Of Mettlach, Germany produced the finest beer mugs in Europe from 1880 to 1910. Modern steins made with machines are too perfect and dont hold much value. To start with assessing the value of a beer stein, many collectible beer steins will have the date of the stein printed on the metal lid or stamped on the bottom of the ceramic beer mug. However, a beer stein lid darkens when they use a darkening agent. Subject to conditions and applies to continental USA. The majority of the costly metallic cover is from a single metal. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A true collectible beer stein can cost anywhere from $50 to $5,000.On the flip side, if you are just looking to buy an original German beer stein to add to your collection, you should take into consideration the following variables: The stein is free of any damage resulting in cracks, dents, or major blemishes. Silver, pewter, or glass steins with intricate decorations were sought after by the upper classes of German society, and these steins were produced in Koblenz, Koln, and Bavaria. The lid is well carved, and the bottom is marked with the german word Geshultz. This led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with a personalized beer stein. Contemporary beer steins made after World War II come in a wide variety, ranging from collectible steins to souvenirs and German gift-themed steins. The handle of this particular beer stein bears the letter G and the model number 231. The first German beer steins date back to the 14th century after an outbreak of the bubonic plague and fly invasion in Europe. The German manufacturer Hauber & Reuther produced the etched beer steins in the 1900s. Markings that note the date, manufacture, limited edition run, etc. As for the artwork, youll rarely find nudes unless theyre angels, with their naughty bits tactically covered. The lower edge is scalloped. Although it develops some yellow with age, its an attractive mug. Its pre-owned so it has minor imperfections. As a result, the production could never return to its previous level. Even though vessels with pewter fittings are still made in England today, silver, glass, and porcelain are frequently employed in their production. These traits also serve to differentiate a truly collectible stein from one that simply serves the purpose of being a German gift or Oktoberfest beer stein. Modern production and reproduction methods have made them widely available for tourists, especially in Western Germany. The ordinary people used a beer mug made of wood and earthenware before that, while the upper class drank from beakers or tankards made of silver, glass, and pewter. The set comes as a pair and each mug sits on a pewter drip tray its own customized coaster. They werent made with polymer clay like they are nowadays. Etched and painted GERMAN 2 LITER BEER STEIN. However, the ones with the spiky helmet style were molded in three or four sections, making them more complex and expensive. The laws, and others related to sanitary conditions, were in reaction to the fear that a recurrence of the bubonic plague, also called the Black Death, would be caused by several invasions of flies throughout Central Europe in the mid to late fifteenth century. Its possibly West German since western steins had a brown finish while eastern ones were more likely to have a white or blue glaze. Quality German steins still featured the traditional smaller fittings, which were lids made of stoneware. They can be especially pleasurable if you enjoy the color and texture of beer because you can look through the glass. However, ivory often comes from at-risk animals, so you will need to check the legal status of your beer stein. The best beer steins have easily-recognizable markings on the bottom. There are a number of characteristics defining the value of beer steins. But its the carvings that are lyrical, with the brightly dressed male musician holding a long traditional horn. For example, German beer stein markings and artwork illustrate famous battles, Oktoberfest, and Biblical accounts. She has also managed an online antiques community. Steins are typically available in sizes of.25 liters,.5 liters,.75 liters, and 1 liter. Although you may drink from them, their primary function was purely social and ornamental. ( An Ultimate Guide for 2023), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides). While the mug itself could be metal, ivory, wood, or stone, the lid was often made of pewter. The covers over food and drink containers were necessary to stop a deadly sickness. The durable and stylish stoneware can be found in various shapes and styles. Additionally, its cost will probably increase because it is a handmade limited-edition item. German beer cups have been cylindrical since the 1700s. The pewter lid's hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition. It explains why steins remain valuable and highly sought after to date. It has a hand-carved lid, a thumb lift in the form of a bird, and its hand-painted. This stein is made in the style of the mid-1800s. When beer stains were given to soldiers (or their families), it was a mark of honor to mark their bravery. Sometimes, its the visual appeal of a beer stein that catches your eye. Relatively expensive, the stoneware lidded drinking vessels soon became the subjects of Renaissance artists that added designs to make them even more appealing. The pieces had a mark featuring the soldiers name and rank. FREE shipping. They tell the story of Germanys history, being culturally enriching pieces for Germanophiles, drinkers and historians alike. Most of the steins made in Germany are fabricated using the following materials: earthenware, ceramics, silver, crystal, glass, porcelain, pewter, creamware, and wood. Faience gained mileage in the 17th century. German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Stein 1 Liter $64.95 Add to Cart German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Stein 0.5 Liter $54.95 Add to Cart German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Mug 0.5 Liter $24.95 Add to Cart German Eagle and Crests Stoneware Beer Mug 0.5 Liter $18.95 Add to Cart Munich 2019 Official Oktoberfest Beer Stein $69.95 Add to Cart Pewter and silver pieces are valued based on the amount of metal used alone, but they increase in price the older they are. That also drives up prices. Vintage German steins (55) $17.05 Beer Stein high relief stoneware ceramic mug Germany bier Nouveau pattern (212) $40.00 FREE shipping Vintage Large Musical Beer Music Box Stein Mug Cup Tankard Drinking Gift circa 1960's / EVE of Europe (3k) $23.41 German Beer Stein (8) $130.00 FREE shipping The mug was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage (aka the silver wedding anniversary). Manufacturers of these older steins used silver, glass, and ivory, materials that made the mug heavy. Rather, they were made with expensive metals like silver and pewter. Sheaves of wheat are used as decorations on the beer mugs, while triple-hare logos are used on the lids. Any collector would be chomping at the bit to add a Mettlach beer stein to their collection, and they continue to keep beer cold and fresh to this day. The reason beer steins had lids was to keep out flies and other bugs. AGardenCottage. An Apostle stein, c. 1900, in the style of earlier Kreusen pieces. The Timeless Appeal of Satsuma Vases: A Collector's Guide. picked up a stein in PA at an old barn sale for my Girlfriends mother, I picked it up for $25.00 on the bottom it has made in Germany stamped into the clay twice the #17 in black & something is written over it that I cant read. The pewter lid gave way to more precious materials. Its price is dependent on the condition and information about a particular German beer stein. Theyre sure to leave their mark on your heart and countertop. A true collectible beer stein can cost anywhere from $50 to $5,000.On the flip side, if you are just looking to buy an original German beer stein to add to your collection, you should take into consideration the following variables: The stein is free of any damage resulting in cracks, dents, or major blemishes. In some instances, the maker may leave handwritten inscriptions on the stein. Germany enforced laws that required all food and beverage containers to have lids to mitigate the situation. Ivory is highly appreciated and sought after, especially when used on something like a beer mug. Steins made prior to World War I are a good starting point for determining age. This particular beer stein has a G on the handle as well as a model number 231. Crafted from stoneware, these steins boasted intricate embellishments, typically adorned with a pewter lid. Vintage German Soldier Beer Stein, Burgermeister, Pickelhaube, Military, Pewter (#256022336393) c***v (285) - Feedback left by buyer c***v (285). The broader price range for Antique German steins ranges from $50-$5,000. Auctioneer Ron Fox shared that he once sold a 17th century American tankard, a type of stein, for $140,000 dollars. They are known as regimental Beer Steins in the military. The bottom of the beer stein is marked Geschultz. In the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins from metal, ceramic, wood, stone, or ivory steins. This sentimental factor raises the value of the beer mugs. From the Roman defeat at Teutoberg Forest to the rise of Prussia, Germanys been a nation of martial tradition and customs, with Napoleon Bonaparte even claiming Prussia was hatched from a cannon-ball.. Unfortunately, it happens frequently for someone to put an outdated lid on a brand-new stein. $50.00 (20% off) Its worth noting that valuable steins have metal lids made with a single metal, while fake ones often have covers made of varying materials. This was a requirement of exports after 1887. PRO TIP: The older antique German beer steins are, the more valuable they are. You want to look at the beer stein lids condition, hand-made paintings or portraits on the mug, ridges on the handle, and the material used to make the German beer stein. It shows a picture of a happy couple toasting each other, and the inner lid has the name of the recipients and the date of their wedding. Beer mugs have seen changes over time. These German beer steins contained a soldiers name, rank and status. The steins sides have a yellow tint from aging, but it still has a lovely patina. Beer steins evolved as a result of the laws passed in several German principalities stating that covers had to be on all beverage and food containers. A German beer stein is a simple mug for drinking beer that originated in Germany. The original steins were mugs with a hinged lid and a thumb lift. Most beer steins come from Germany, where they were made at least as early as the 15th century. Not even a museum would want it. By World War I, the beer stein industry took a downturn. The German stein was formally recognized as a European product in the 19th century. What makes older German stein mugs more valuable is the materials used to make them. Beer stein handles didn't get bumps on them until the 1920s, so the lack of a bump can help date your piece. Soon after, rings enclosed by glass or ceramic lids developed from ornamental pewter fittings came. We list the stein for sale in our antique section. Antique German Beer Steins: Values and History, Antique Glass and China Types, Values & Histories, How Antique Leaded Glass Windows Create Instant Charm, Antique Sewing Machines: A Historical Look, Carved or applied decorations and decorative detailing, Carved or applied scenes including figurative, historical and Biblical, Less expensive than the Chinese porcelain pieces, Adorned with beautiful decorative designs and motifs in late Renaissance and early Baroque styles rather than Chinese designs, Beautifully glazed since the German blue glaze was purer than the Chinese blue glaze, giving the steins stunning coloring and crisp lines, Made using clay from the Koln area, which has a distinctive white color, Decorated in the Renaissance style, often having relief decorations. (539) $125.00. Its a colorful piece with soldiers on horses and lots of textual detail. Used on the stein product in the military the letter G and clumsy! 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