Decorative, Lidded German Beer Stein, Medieval Theme

Collectibles : Breweriana : Lidded Steins

 

Prosit! Sweetpea Cottage is pleased to be offering a beautiful, decorative ceramic beer stein. On the bottom there is an impressed “Germany” and the number “12". There is also a very faint oval impression of another label that is so faint that it is impossible to read. Including the closed lid, it stands 8 1/4 inches tall, while the body of the stein, alone, is 6 inches tall. The maximum dimension across the width of the stein, including the handle, is 5 ½ inches. The round base is 4 3/4 inches wide. There is no indication of the volume of the stein, but it appears to be about ½ liter. The condition is excellent, with no major problems. There is one small chip that occurs underneath the decorative figures, that has been circled in red in one of the photos. The pewter lid has a cast ornate design that stands as a raised relief. It is solidly anchored and is not the least bit bent, which is the usual problem with lidded steins. The pewter is oxidized gray on the outside, but is bright and shiny on the inside. This is standard for good, old steins. Modern reproduction steins will be oxidized to gray on both the outside and inside.

The colored glazes on the body of the stein are crisp and bright. There is a picture of a man and woman, with the woman holding a trumpet. Both are in Medieval style dress, with the man looking like a cavalier. On both sides of the stein there are phrases written in German script, “Becht nach alter Weise” and “Lustig in frohen kreise.” We are unable to locate a meaningful translation of this text. In the background gracefully curling around the text there is a frame and branches of oak leaves.

It is not clear how old it is, so we will not even venture a guess. However, being labeled as Made in Germany, it pre-dates World War II, when Germany was partitioned. Judge it based on its merit for style, color, and design. It is a beauty, that will be a terrific addition to anyone’s collection. When you can locate a stein of this quality in an antique mall, it will generally cost between $80 and $100. We have priced this one quite reasonably.

Sweetpea Cottage stands behind everything that we sell. If you are not completely pleased with your purchase, let us know within three days of delivery that you intend to return the item. Once we receive it back in original condition within 5 days after that, then we will refund the full purchase price of your purchase minus any shipping costs. We package very carefully and have never had an issue with breakage. Costs for shipping this piece will be $8.00, which will include insurance.

Item ID: CBS-14