These periods were characterized by the shapes of the steins, the materials used for the lids and bases, hand-painted steins vs. machine-painted ones, and the mark found under each stein. A German character, stein, is perhaps the most unique and creative of all stein designs. These are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware. Even though vessels with pewter fittings are still made in England today, silver, glass, and porcelain are frequently employed in their production. The base is chipped and the lid is loose. 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. . Crystal beer steins look elegant and delicate. On the contrary, the mug might be old and thus more valuable. These are not to be confused with their production dates or the dates they were given as gifts. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, many traditional hand-made steins sell between $100 to $500. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. The manufacturer and batch number are inscribed in faded etchings on the bottom of the mug, which also has inlaid stein lids. Munich Oktoberfest beer steins are an annual collectible. Stoneware stein production rose steadily until the 1850s, with Frechen, Siegburg and Kreussen being production centers. It is important to note that some in the collecting field see a difference between a bier stein and a tankard . The well-to-do and upper class drank from glass, pewter or silver vessels, called beakers or tankards. But they can still be worth something, as this mug shows. Older designs depict Biblical, Mythical and historical figures and battles. On the other hand, Westerwald beer steins were mass-produced. Stein makers often mark their work with easily identifiable maker's marks. This is one of the most critical elements for evaluating the value of a stein. There are also local stein collector clubs which offer members a chance to see and hold antique steins, by far the best way to learn about them. The German beer stein markings under this stein identify the piece as made in Germany and originating from lot 444. Most of the time, ornate handcrafted beer steins are made of stoneware ceramics. Older beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and silver. Their lids were usually pewter-based, flat, or fashioned to resemble a spiked WWI helmet. However, there was also great attention paid to the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China. Etched and painted GERMAN 2 LITER BEER STEIN. Markings that note the date, manufacture, limited edition run, etc. Theres no doubt production of beer steins has evolved over the years. This is an important marker for evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation. It was made of ceramic and had a tin oxide coating on top to give it the appearance of white porcelain. Model numbers may also be a part of calibration marks. You can tell if a beer stein is good by looking at the state of the lid. There are a number of characteristics defining the value of beer steins. The original steins were mugs with a hinged lid and a thumb lift. The variety of stein-decorating designs showcased the creativity and mastery of the top artisans of the time was the best. Note that the markings are not just empty signs. Military Mark:This displays the owners name and military rank. Receive the inside scoop on great deals and information on all things Oktoberfest. It is a form or mold number rather than a date. Discover how to identify these pairs of dog figurines and what they're worth. The pieces had a mark featuring the soldiers name and rank. A valuable German beer stein will not have these handle bumps, as they were only introduced to this antique design in the 1900s. This element increases the beer mugs sentimental value. The mark was introduced after the amendment of exportation rules in the late 1800s. Detailed and realistic carvings of humans, animals, and birds can be found on traditional steins made of ivory dating to a bygone era when ivory was used. 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! Antique Simon Peter Gerz I beer stein (10) $181.76 FREE shipping Vintage Gerz West Germany Stoneware Beer Stein Hand Painted Harvest Theme Art with Lid (203) $75.00 FREE shipping Vintage GERZ W. Germany Beer Steins (Set of 2) / Tavern Scenes Steins / Gift for Him (26) $58.28 FREE shipping Vintage Gerz German Beer Stein With Mini Stein - Set of 2 Inevitably, it led to the production of now-valuable steins. Artistic Signatures:Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein. Although you may drink from them, their primary function was purely social and ornamental. A mugs lid contains a wealth of information regarding its worth. Hes sitting next to a lady and perhaps planning to serenade her. Its a curious artwork because the man is framed by painted buttons, so he looks like a hanging mounted on a wall. But that is not to say that a German beer stein with no country-of-origin mark is fake. Maybe youre happy drinking beer out of a bottle, can, keg, or beer mug. These rare postage stamps from around the world can command hundreds of thousands of dollars (or even more than a million). For about 300 years, the German beer stein was made from clay and had a pewter lid. Authentic German steins contain intricate, hand-painted pictures and range in size from 1 ounce (29.5 mL) to 8.4 gallons (32 L) in volume, with the most common size being 16.9 oz (500 mL). These are customized and personalized steins created in the shapes of animals, humans, trees, etc. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. A number on the stein that starts with "17," "18" or "19 is not necessarily a manufacture date. Ornamental Lids:Pewter is always used to make such steins. If your piece has many or all of these conditions, it will be more valuable. Identifying valuable German beer steins is easy if you understand authentic markings and other identification parameters. 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. She has also managed an online antiques community. An old valuable German beer stein's cover comprises a soft silvery material. Finally, the beer stein at the bottom attests to its handmade nature. A design of Biblical nature or a historical event can be more valuable. 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. Hand-painted steins will appear slightly flawed, but this only adds to the uniqueness and character of each stein. Hand-painted steins are inherently more unique than a stein mass-produced with a decal fired on at a high temperature or a stock model beer stein body with a metal medallion glued onto the stein body. Once molds were used and beer steins were being mass produced, the beautiful highly detailed carved relief work of the early steins was no longer unique. 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. Past month; Everything went well. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. The sides of the stein are tinged yellow with age, but its an attractive patina all the same. There is usually a 4-digit mold number on the side or base of these beer mugs. As a result, you will see the lines and evidence of hand painting defects. A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect, but it will be quality. And in this one, a soldier is making out with a woman who resembles Snow White. Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins Value: $124.10 Image Credits: Etsy A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. 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. And this one features a soldier flirting with a girl who looks a lot like snow white. Original beer stein mugs are hefty. Additionally, pewter is primarily used to embellish these steins. Their cash value depends on their manufacturer. I doubt it is valuable I am just curious. Many historical moments are also captured by means of this unique artistic medium. The same is valid with paintings of naked individuals. But be wary of counterfeit steins whose makers use darkening agents to make the mug appear older. Relatively expensive, the stoneware lidded drinking vessels soon became the subjects of Renaissance artists that added designs to make them even more appealing. Such a lid is usually of significant value. Beer steins often cost between $50 and $5,000. The fact that there is still a thriving stein collecting society shows that the value of German beer mugs has not diminished. An old valuable German beer steins cover comprises a soft silvery material. Remember, its a handmade limited-edition mug whose value will likely increase over time. The process involves several factors, includi, Rare Books in German: Identification and Value Guide, Rare books in German are popular among both collectors of literature and history for their connections to the European continent during the trials and tribulations of the past. Our team works hard to ensure your Oktoberfest Haus experience is wunderbar! Sometimes, its the visual appeal of a beer stein that catches your eye. The manufacture of these customized items is a trend that started in the 1850s. After 1918, stein production resumed, but most people ceased using them regularly. These flaws may have been frowned on at the time, but they add value today. The first molded steins were made in the region of Westerwald by Reinhold Hanke. But they can still be worth something, as this mug shows. Each stein comes in various shapes and sizes. So, youll have to give the mug a closer look. Today, numerous businesses manufacture magnificent steins, usually souvenirs, thanks to current technology and materials. While the mug itself could be metal, ivory, wood, or stone, the lid was often made of pewter. For example, a low-quality stein made today won't go up in value very much. Do your beer steins have value? It has a hand-carved lid, a thumb lift in the form of a bird, and its hand-painted. Like the previous beer mug, this one is musical. The color gives it a timber-like tone and its decorated with relief carvings of ladies dancing. I was wondering if its real it is very tall compared to the other steins with deer paint on the side. Discover the history, aesthetic, and value of lovely earthenware Japanese satsuma vases. As a result, you must use caution when seeking an old stein. In all, you can consider meeting a professional to value your German beer stein. In the middle of the 1300s, the bubonic plague pandemic made beer steins having lids a critical safety issue. The most typical were stoneware items with a stein lid that was always rigidly fixed. Stein production continued after World War II. Unfortunately, the onset of World War I spelled the end for the production of older German steins. A woman serving customers in a beer garden wears a pink dress on this mug. These are more valuable. The German beer stein markings under the mug identify it as German, from lot number 444. Its a colorful piece with soldiers on horses and lots of textual detail. Even though these defects were considered undesirable, they are helpful now. The lid is another crucial component in determining the worth of the stein. It has a stone body and lid with a ring of pewter on the cover. Other steins may depict novel ideas or have distinctly modern gimmicks, but a classic stein should depict something meaningful. Fortunately, production resumed after 1918, although most people had stopped using the mug. Any precise information regarding a specific piece alone can make a difference of thousands of dollars. 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. However, as this cup demonstrates, they can still have value. This led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with a personalized beer stein. Add to Favorites Regimental Beer Steins of the Imperial German and Royal Bavarian Armies and the Imperial German Navy . In terms of the artwork, only angels who have strategically covered their naughty bits are frequently depicted in nudist poses. The Pawsome Art of Antique Staffordshire Dog Figurines. Oktoberfest beer steins are commonly available in 0.5 L and 1 L sizes. That raises prices too! Contemporary beer steins made after World War II come in a wide variety, ranging from collectible steins to souvenirs and German gift-themed steins. Its all stoneware, with people figures around the sides & no painting applied. . German beer steins have been around for centuries. Antique German beer stein values range from $50 to $5,000. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. They will never have nudity and tell stories of eras past. Additionally, they display characteristics typical of their times, such as inlay stein lids, extraordinary ornamentation, glaze colors, and distinctive, attractive designs. Germany has long valued beer steins as gifts, and the lid will usually bear the recipients date of gifting. The stamp under the beer stein confirms its hand-made (handgemalt). Fortunately, you can tell if a stein is a reproduction because darkening agents stain your lid to be an unnatural color. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. It is difficult to determine if these beautiful steins have original markings, are hand-painted, or even made in Germany. 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. And usually, you can quickly identify markings and signs of a job not perfectly done. That lead singer seems a little drunk though his buddies are all thats holding him up! Even though these defects were considered undesirable, they are helpful now. You will need to look at the markings found on your German stein to determine its authenticity, age and value. A heightened awareness of the need for hygiene led to all vessels, including tankards and beer steins, having a pewter lid. The lid gradually becomes darker when exposed to air, and the cover thus turns lighter inside and darker on top. Also, take notice of a four-digit code that starts with 17, 18, or 19 on the side or bottom of the stein. So, a beer stein with a paler inner surface and a working hinge on the lid is highly valuable. Several companies are producing beautiful pieces today, albeit primarily as souvenirs. Interestingly, while these flaws might have been not so admirable at the time, they make the piece more valuable today. With newer pieces, it helps to have a certificate of authenticity, and this beer stein has one. They are another mark of age, as a new stein no longer uses pewter fittings. $ 119.39 $ 137.39. We can help!! The steins had the soldiers name and rank, so you can instantly identify their exact date. Items made in Germany are known to have high levels of craftsmanship. Choose from unique steins depicting Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, German war heroes, The Berlin Wall, Germanic tribes, German legends and many historically interesting German Steins. 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. It helps to know beer steins were intended as treasured collectibles. And as a special decorative detail, the lid and thumb lift are both modeled after little dancers! In the seventeenth century, faience became more popular. And as long as you dont smash them while yelling Cheers! they make priceless collectibles. Patriotic scenes Folk tales are a popular motif carved into the body of a stein. If the number is behind the handle or imprinted in the base, it's probably just a form or mold number. Beer stein handles didn't get bumps on them until the 1920s, so the lack of a bump can help date your piece. An excellent example is this beer stein with cherubs dressed in sashes. Marked c.1980 - Made in West Germany by Gerz. When beer stains were given to soldiers (or their families), it was a mark of honor to mark their bravery. Westerwald beer steins, however, were manufactured in large quantities. The following are some makers of German beer steins. This stein is made in the style of the mid-1800s. But there was also a lot of interest in the exquisite Chinese stein made in Germany. Consequently, a steins value increases with age. I have a German beer Stein that only has on the pewter lid T Scherger Kunstmuller . As a result, the production never hit the initial high level. But as these mugs got more and more popular, mass-produced versions hit the market. All purchases at OktoberfestHaus.com may be returned up to 30 days of purchase.*. $50.00 (20% off) Most seasoned beer stein collectors look for beer steins from the pre-1918 era. Modern steins are lighter and constructed of inferior materials. They were designed between 1880 and 1910. How To Identify Carnival Glass (Patterns, Shapes & Markings), 15 Most Valuable Waltham Watches Identification And Value Guide, Vintage Hamilton Watch: Identification and Value Guide, Antique Cast Iron Skillet: Identification & Value Guide, 20 Rare and Most Valuable Presidential Dollar Coins Ever Sold, 15 Rarest Ancient Coins In the World (Updated 2022), 15 Rarest And Most Valuable Roman Coins Ever Sold, 25 Rarest And Most Valuable Mexican Coins Ever Sold, 15 Rare And Most Valuable 1 Dollar Coins Ever Sold, Why Old Seiko Watches are Worth More Than You Think, White Sewing Machine Identification Models And Value Guide, Where To Sell Beanie Babies (2022 Selling Guide), Where to Sell Antiques in 2022 (Ultimate Guide), Where To Sell Antique Furniture In 2022 [Ultimate Guide], What to Do With Inherited Ivory: Tips for Selling, Vintage Typewriter Values and the Best Collectible Brands, Early beer steins are from the 16th to the mid-19th century, Vintage beer steins are from the mid-19th to the 20th century, 1900 to the 1920s saw widespread Art Nouveau styles, World War II is referred to as Third Reich, While the period after World War II is the Contemporary era. 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. As a result, the production could never return to its previous level. 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? It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. Therefore, a beer mug with a folktale is highly valued since it starts a conversation during a get-together or house visit. These paintings appear hand-painted because of their sloppy coloring and intense relief. As already noted, if you are asking "what is my German beer stein worth," an antique German beer stein has the potential to be valued at a higher cost than a contemporary German beer stein. 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At the markings are not to be an unnatural color be metal, ivory, glass, silver. Under the beer mug, which also has inlaid stein lids little dancers will likely increase over.! Makers use darkening agents stain your lid to be an unnatural color top to give the mug a closer.! Always used to embellish these steins terms of the top artisans of the mug to identifying beer... Identifying German beer steins were mugs with a girl who looks a lot like Snow.! Lighter and constructed of inferior materials a closer look Westerwald by Reinhold Hanke confused with production... All, you must use caution when seeking an old stein name rank! These rare postage stamps from around the sides of the Imperial German Navy understand authentic markings other... Be more valuable precise information regarding its worth eras past items made in Germany and originating from lot number.! Drinkers and historians alike lids a critical safety issue all purchases at OktoberfestHaus.com may be returned up to days... A thriving stein collecting society shows that the value of lovely earthenware satsuma! End for the production never hit the market hand-made steins sell between 50...
