At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. 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. In the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins from metal, ceramic, wood, stone, or ivory steins. These steins are found in every shape, size and design. Although most of these marks indicate the country of origin, Germany or Made in Germany, some manufacturers have tried to be unique. But beer steins add a sentimental flavor to your tipple. Collecting German Beer Steins remains a popular pastime to this day ranging from museum curators to casual collectors who are looking for a German gift idea. These rare postage stamps from around the world can command hundreds of thousands of dollars (or even more than a million). The bottom of the mug has multiple verification stamps including Villeroy & Bosch. This marking sets them apart from other steins. 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. A perfectly painted stein will very certainly be newer. The handle of this particular beer stein bears the letter G and the model number 231. These steins were: This era is also the beginning of molded German beer steins. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. The older steins didnt have any bumps, instead of having straight handles that were easy to grip but didnt have grooves for the fingers. You cant always tell if an item is genuinely antique because counterfeiters in todays world are adept at making a piece look old. After 1918, stein production resumed, but most people ceased using them regularly. Well also offer helpful details on beer steins value in the following sections: Beer steins did not have a specific shape; they came in various shapes and styles. Pewter lids made before WWII used a three or four part mold, while more recent pewter lids are made in a single mold. Recently sold for$26,400. The first molded steins were made in the region of Westerwald by Reinhold Hanke. From the taverns and inns of the medieval era, the antique German beer stein has accompanied every Oktoberfest and drinking event in Germanys rich history, becoming a valuable collectors item. You will need to look at the markings found on your German stein to determine its authenticity, age and value. To make fake steins appear older, darkening substances. And although stein production increased rapidly in the 1850s, World War I caused tremendous limitations in accessing the raw materials used to make the mugs. Beer is traditionally served in maas, or 1 liter, in Germany. Discover how to identify these pairs of dog figurines and what they're worth. Original metal lids are cast as a single piece instead of fusing on replicas. The mark was introduced after the amendment of exportation rules in the late 1800s. After the 1800s and 1900s, ordinary scenes were depicted. Traditional beer steins were made of wood, stone, or blown glass. Deutschland Adler Eagle .8L German Beer Stein. The origin of the German word "stein" has variations in meaning. The scene includes a landscape, blue tiled floor, and Roman columns. An expert craftsman spent days and months creating this German beer stein, being a labor of love more than any pewter, porcelain or glass design. Antique German Faience Beer Stein (Source: Ebay) The oldest known German steins date back to the 1700s. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. However, after World War II, stein making kept going. If your piece has many or all of these conditions, it will be more valuable. Theres no doubt production of beer steins has evolved over the years. Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying German beer steins markings: Authentic old German beer steins have a country-of-origin mark at the bottom. It is a form or mold number rather than a date. Each mug in the set is paired with a pewter drip tray that serves as a unique coaster. If you've been to Oktoberfest in Munich, you know it's not just about dressing up, drinking German beer and eating tasty Bavarian food. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. And in this one, a soldier is making out with a woman who resembles Snow White. So if you come across an almost flawless hand-painted German beer stein, its likely machine-made, thus, a newer piece. So having a working hinge on the lid and a lighter or paler internal surface make your beer stein more valuable. Manufacturers had to engrave a Made in Germany due to changes to exportation regulations. When man's best friend is turned into art, it can be valuable. I will send photos of this for identification if you like. That also drives up prices. Funnily enough, they can be made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, wood, and pewter lids. A German stein is the pride of its manufacturer. Additionally, pewter is primarily used to embellish these steins. To determine whether your stein is a valuable antique or just a cool collectible, you need to look for clues about how old the stein is, where it was made, and how it was made. The German faience steins were: Many German beer stein makers continued making faience steins throughout the 18th century. Unfortunately, thats not always the case. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. T Scherger is my great grandfather that come to America in 1856 from Bavaria. Although the art ofGerman-branded steins and beer dates back to the Middle Ages, Germans took their love for beer to taverns, festivals, and beer gardens and complemented this with steins and tankards. The following are some makers of German beer steins. Unfortunately, the onset of World War I spelled the end for the production of older German steins. They are readily accessible to visitors thanks to modern production techniques, particularly in Western Germany. The history of the German beer stein has seen several materials, including stone glass, porcelain, and silver, used in place to make the mugs. Antique German beer stein values range from $50 to $5,000. When it sells we send you shipping information. Look for early beer steins dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, before 1918, made in Germany. Popular brands are Zoller and Born, King Werks, Hofbrauhaus, E.H.G., Thewalt, Essence of Europe Gifts, and Rastal, to mention just a few. The beauty of the German beer steins lies in the diversity of decorating styles. Flat lids were prized because they were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor. A beer stein is a beer mug made in Germany that dates back to the 14th Century, accompanying developments in stoneware technology, German beer, and even the bubonic plague. The design on the lid should correspond with the design on the stein to show that the entire piece is intact. They will usually sell for between $100 and $500. Additionally, they weigh a few pounds when the tray and the mug are together. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. An example of this is a 17th Century produced German beer stain that belonged to a family and sold for 1,500 USD for a generation, versus a beer stein manufactured . However, the ones with the spiky helmet style were molded in three or four sections, making them more complex and expensive. This beer mug has the marks of use. Older beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and silver. The country-of-origin mark is essential, although older pieces may not have it. Also, take notice of a four-digit code that starts with 17, 18, or 19 on the side or bottom of the stein. The steins often had eye-catching ornamentation, handles, porcelain lids, and lids with hand-painted accents of birds, foliage, and flowers. Its a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. Alternatively, just grab a tankard (metal stein) that has a date stamp on it! If they have grooves, they won't be worth much. On the other hand, Westerwald beer steins were mass-produced. Its one of the most sought-after brands, and you need to double-check that youre not handling a fake. German Beer Steins along with Oktoberfest and all its accompanying Bavarian traditions play their part in a rich, storied history. So, if you come across a mug that doesnt have a nation of origin label, it can be worth more than you think. These beautiful, delicate, and i, Vintage Enamelware Pitchers Create a Country Feel, As you browse in your local antique store or peruse items in an online auction, you might see vintage enamelware pitchers. It usually depicts great heroes, historical events, cultural symbols, and even theological figures. The distinctively green handle with its ridges and leafy designs is a typical Hauber & Reuther feature. Scenes on the stein should tell a story. Johann Friedrich Bottger, a German potter who worked in the Meissen workshop in the early 18th century, secretly created various hard-paste porcelain products, including steins. They are known as regimental Beer Steins in the military. These German beer steins contained a soldiers name, rank and status. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. Their rise and decline can be traced to centuries of strife, innovations in production, and even war. Reinhold Hanke created the first molded steins in the Westerwald region. The best beer steins have easily-recognizable markings on the bottom. You may be excused for thinking this beer cup sings when you first see the items title! The majority of the costly metallic cover is from a single metal. The original steins were mugs with a hinged lid and a thumb lift. It has a hand-carved lid, a thumb lift in the form of a bird, and its hand-painted. Pewter and silver pieces are valued based on the amount of metal used alone, but they increase in price the older they are. Prices for antique German beer steins start at $95 and top out at $4,800 with the average selling for $395. These military mugs are called Regimental Beer Steins. Having gone through the eras of the German stein and even the different stein designs to choose from, we can now go through markings that tell the story of your stein and whether you have a fake or the real deal. The German Beer Stein is a mug designed for drinking beer. Most of the steins made in Germany are fabricated using the following materials: earthenware, ceramics, silver, crystal, glass, porcelain, pewter, creamware, and wood. A distinctive characteristic of old steins is their imperfections. The soldiers name and rank were written on the regimental steins, making it easy to determine their precise date. There is a whole sub-culture of military stein collectors who collect steins that symbolize soldiers and army rank having successfully completed their patriotic duties. Beer steins are cultural icons as much as they are drinking containers. Yes, you could drink out of them, but their main purpose was social and aesthetic. Third Reich steins were created during World War 2. Lets go over a few distinct features of each stein. The mug is 6 12 inches wide with the handle attached, 12 inches tall to the top of the lid, and contains one liter. Soft silvery original metal lids formed the coverings of valuable German beer stein mugs, which makes them lighter inside than outside. However, brilliant natural scenery surrounds them, and they are clad in colorful attire. And to compete with pricy porcelain imports, Germans developed faience. Their mugs have stood the test of time. 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. When a beer stein is handmade, it will have human errors. Old manufacturers began producing stoneware steins with pewter lids after the invention of stoneware. But theres something else you can look for to help you tell the difference. Westerwald beer steins, however, were manufactured in large quantities. German beer steins of value generally come in a variety of styles. Thats why you can find different markings on an antique stein. Manufacturers started putting bumps on stein handles in the 1920s. The relatively expensive stoneware drinking cups with lids quickly attracted the attention of Renaissance artists, who added decorations to make them even more attractive. Although you will not find antique German beer steins made of early stoneware or faience in local antique stores or online auctions, there are many beautiful beer steins made in centuries past available to collectors. The Stein is valued at $319.95 and has the following features. The fact that there is still a thriving stein collecting society shows that the value of German beer mugs has not diminished. Crystal beer steins look elegant and delicate. Today, numerous businesses manufacture magnificent steins, usually souvenirs, thanks to current technology and materials. As a result, they mass-produced beer stein after adopting molds; thus, their exquisite, intricately carved relief work was no longer distinctive. Time is also a vitally important factor in a beer stein's value. are vital. And theyre heavy too a couple of pounds if you weigh the mug and the tray together. You will thus want your rare stein to be relatively whole without too many nicks and bumps. The value of originals also depends on how intact they are; a piece, no matter how old or rare, will lose value if its crushed and dented beyond repair. The most renowned manufacturing centers for German beer steins included Frechen, Siegburg, Kreussen, and Cologne. MysteinCollection.com is the largest free online database of collectible and antique beer steins. They might have coloring outside the lines or weird paint flecks. In the middle of the 1300s, the bubonic plague pandemic made beer steins having lids a critical safety issue. But as these mugs got more and more popular, mass-produced versions hit the market. Its possibly West German since western steins had a brown finish while eastern ones were more likely to have a white or blue glaze. Even though these defects were considered undesirable, they are helpful now. They can be especially pleasurable if you enjoy the color and texture of beer because you can look through the glass. Manufactured in Hauber & Reuther Produced in Germany Manufacture in the 19th century Both are wearing brightly colored clothes and are surrounded by vibrant nature scapes. German Beer Stein, circa mid-20th Century Brown ceramic beer stein features several pictorial and text cartouches. Ivory steins evoke the classic Greek and Roman sculptures and murals, giving you highly detailed sculpts of great heroes and animals in pure ivory white. The best way to find the value of your stein is to seek a professional appraisal from a stein expert. You might presume it has a built-in music box or jingle. The style of clothing can be a hint as well. It can be a useful skill for unstamped finds like this one. They tell a story with scenes featuring: In addition to the above features, old German beer steins feature uneven handle surfaces. We're talking about the big, lid-wearing beer steins seen at Oktoberfest celebrations. The handles of more recent steins, however, feature ridges. German beer steins are for more than just drinking beer. By disabling cookies, you decide to not allow cookies to be stored on your computer. Older steins made of crystal appear classy and delicate. Top makers include Capo-di-Monte, Mettlach, and Royal Vienna. As with other antique items, the age of a stein beer mug is crucial in determining its value. A stein mugs nation of origin mark indicates how old it is. The reason beer steins had lids was to keep out flies and other bugs. First, however, you may check steins using several online databases. The pieces had a mark featuring the soldiers name and rank. This is one of the most critical elements for evaluating the value of a stein. The German stein was formally recognized as a European product in the 19th century. Such a lid is usually of significant value. Its worth noting that valuable steins have metal lids made with a single metal, while fake ones often have covers made of varying materials. When you first spot the title of this product, youll be forgiven for thinking this beer mug sings! As for determining the value of a stein, its advisable to seek help from a professional such as a seasoned collector. Some stein makers liked to push information into wet clay to leave distinctive imprints. Beer steins that originate from southern regions like Bohemia are large and solid. Regardless of background, the poor (who drank from wood or stoneware mugs) and rich (from tankards made of silver, glass and pewter) would all need to drink from containers with hinged lids. The lid is well carved, and the bottom is marked with the german word Geshultz. Most steins made by machines have a flawless finish. The steins lid is metal, but the body is porcelain. Antique German beer steins are a thing of beauty. This particular beer stein has a G on the handle as well as a model number 231. You can sometimes guesstimate the tie period of a beer stein by looking at the images. Artistic Signatures:Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein. These lids are the cheapest, most widely-available lids and are arguably the most iconic designs of any beer stein. Beer steins can be made of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, or ivory. Older beer mugs, however, might not have such a marking. Vintage Villeroy and Boch mold #2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer stein, dated 1898 and produced in Mettlach, Germany. Their cash value depends on their manufacturer. Sometimes, its the visual appeal of a beer stein that catches your eye. Such a lid is usually of significant value. At the same time, European porcelain had been perfected and the costly German porcelain beer steins were in demand by Germany's wealthiest families. Our team works hard to ensure your Oktoberfest Haus experience is wunderbar! Relatively expensive, the stoneware lidded drinking vessels soon became the subjects of Renaissance artists that added designs to make them even more appealing. Items made in Germany are known to have high levels of craftsmanship. The lower edge is scalloped. A valuable German beer stein markings and other identifying characteristics are the primary means of identification. Hand-painted steins will have minor imperfections and feel raised. All purchases at OktoberfestHaus.com may be returned up to 30 days of purchase.*. Replica and aged beer steins are still manufactured today, so you need to understand the history of these vessels to learn German beer stein values. Historically, you might see made in West Germany, which automatically dates the product to the Cold War. Antique Flatware Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique School Desk Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage Hitchcock Chairs Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Milk Glass Basket Value (Identification & Price Guides), How To Sell Beanie Babies? So, youll have to give the mug a closer look. How Do I Identify Old German Beer Steins? $ 89.79 $ 103.29. Those who collect steins will be able to identify the ages of such steins by their features. Hand-painted steins will have a slightly imperfect look, but this adds to the character and individuality of each stein. The well-to-do and upper class drank from glass, pewter or silver vessels, called beakers or tankards. This mug dates back hundreds of years, and its precious. Discolorations resulting from neglect or being exposed to the elements, such as sun or water damage, additionally, evidence of repair work is negative. The beer mugs are embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. What makes older German stein mugs more valuable is the materials used to make them. Their monetary and sentimental value will depend on what year and what era theyre from. An Apostle stein, c. 1900, in the style of earlier Kreusen pieces. We offer you images, descriptions, producer and designer information on 15,856 steins from 183 private collections and 21 stein producer's catalogs , and our collection is growing almost by the day, so check back often! This sentimental factor raises the value of the beer mugs. A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect, but it will be quality. Additional materials that steins are made of include hardwood, ceramic, stone, steel, metal, or crystallized glass. Patriotic scenes Folk tales are a popular motif carved into the body of a stein. But they can still be worth something, as this mug shows. Therefore, a beer mug with a folktale is highly valued since it starts a conversation during a get-together or house visit. What to Look For. Finding the period when your stein was made is important because older pieces will typically be more valuable. However, its not hard if you understand how to go about it. And as a special decorative detail, the lid and thumb lift are both modeled after little dancers! As a result, the production could never return to its previous level. Flat lids:Because manufacturers can easily engrave them, these pewter models with flat lids are popular. All rights reserved. Sometimes you will come across a mug with a Gemacht in Deutschland mark. Collectors find that collectible beer mugs hold their value and are willing to invest money in purchasing beer mugs to add to their beer stein collection. 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Dated 1898 and produced in Mettlach, Germany stamp on it today, numerous businesses manufacture magnificent,!

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