Vintage Authentic German Beer Steins. Manufactured in Hauber & Reuther Produced in Germany Manufacture in the 19th century Thats why you can find different markings on an antique stein. Modern materials and technology have made it possible to advance beer steins production. Older steins just carried the soldiers last name, while more recent ones included their first name and rank. Well, read on to discover more. The large hand decorated cartouche GERMAN 2 LITER BEER STEIN. Valuable German steins also feature decorations of paintings and figures all over the mug. This element increases the beer mugs sentimental value. The lid is the most effective way of identifying a steins age, price and quality. A German character, stein, is perhaps the most unique and creative of all stein designs. There are ways of telling. Markings, markings, markings. So, youll have to give the mug a closer look. The same is valid with paintings of naked individuals. Brand: Westerwald Year: 1991 Value: $124.10 They were made from molds, which lowers their uniqueness and value. The German beer stein is a German invention, and you would want to see Made in Germany or Gemacht/Hergestellt in Deutschland. Original beer stein mugs are hefty. Hand-carved designs indicate authenticity, and those with a German patriotic scheme can be more valuable. Consequently, a steins value increases with age. This beer mug has the marks of use. It also says Geschultz, which means copyright or trademark. Steins have been used to drink beer for many centuries, yet they have also become a symbol of Germany and, as a result, are now collected by many around the world. However, ivory often comes from at-risk animals, so you will need to check the legal status of your beer stein. This is an important marker for evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation. The first porcelain beer mugs made in Europe were Meissen steins, produced in Germany. The first German beer steins date back to the 14th century after an outbreak of the bubonic plague and fly invasion in Europe. 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. Up until that time, most common folk drank beer from mugs made of porous earthenware or wood. You will thus want your rare stein to be relatively whole without too many nicks and bumps. And again, these illustrations are full of meaning. So having a working hinge on the lid and a lighter or paler internal surface make your beer stein more valuable. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. Still, even these machine-made mugs can be worth something if they have the privilege or provenance. Beer steins can be made of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, or ivory. Their monetary and sentimental value will depend on what year and what era theyre from. Its a curious artwork because the man is framed by painted buttons, so he looks like a hanging mounted on a wall. German steins are painted in a variety of styles and use different artistic mediums for artwork placement. Auctioneer Ron Fox shared that he once sold a 17th century American tankard, a type of stein, for $140,000 dollars. From the artwork rendered on the body of a stein, a story can be told. This is why you may find an antique lid on a new Chinese stein. Modern steins made with machines are too perfect and dont hold much value. But, then, authentic German steins have patriotic scenes and Folk tales as popular designs for carved steins bodies. Knowing that beer steins are precious collectibles is interesting. . We try to put that feeling into every package we ship. Additionally, its cost will probably increase because it is a handmade limited-edition item. Because you can see through the glass, they might be delightful if you like the appearance and feel of the beer. These lids are known for their ornate porcelain, glass or wood figures inlaid and surrounded and reinforced by pewter. I doubt it is valuable I am just curious. We can help!! Besides porcelain, several other materials were used in the making of beer steins during this time period. 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. A number on the stein that starts with "17," "18" or "19 is not necessarily a manufacture date. Older and newer mugs are different in several ways, and due to the materials used in their construction, older steins are valued. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Germany introduced fixed lids to keep flies off their beer and mitigate the spread of bubonic plague in the mid-1300s. They are less valuable and unique because they were created using molds. Prost! Remember, its a handmade limited-edition mug whose value will likely increase over time. One of the easiest ways to know the value of an antique German beer stein is from its uniqueness and original decorations. 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. Theres no doubt production of beer steins has evolved over the years. (416) $40.00. The Stein is valued at $319.95 and has the following features. But theres something else you can look for to help you tell the difference. Germany passed a law requiring lids on all beer cups to stop the plague from spreading further. However, brilliant natural scenery surrounds them, and they are clad in colorful attire. From books to websites, you can find plenty of resources from experts and avid collectors to help you identify a piece or start your own collection. These lids are the cheapest, most widely-available lids and are arguably the most iconic designs of any beer stein. The bottom of the mug has multiple verification stamps including Villeroy & Bosch. MysteinCollection.com is the largest free online database of collectible and antique beer steins. However, when attempting to estimate an items age, it can be challenging to depend solely on this data. These are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware. The stein is 9 inches with a ridged handle. Patriotic scenes Folk tales are a popular motif carved into the body of a stein. These military mugs are called Regimental Beer Steins. How to Identify & Date Glass Bottle Markings Bottom? Its hand-painted, with a carefully carved lid and a thumb lift shaped like a bird. 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. Instead, older German steins employ paintings of angels and other mythical figures. But there was also a lot of interest in the exquisite Chinese stein made in Germany. 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 . Its a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. A German beer stein is a simple mug for drinking beer that originated in Germany. This particular piece has a painting of a pensive mountain man enjoying his beer. Also, take notice of a four-digit code that starts with 17, 18, or 19 on the side or bottom of the stein. 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. However, you wont discover the intricate embellishments in handmade German beer steins. These dates make sense only when the other mug features are likewise consistent. The steins sides have a yellow tint from aging, but it still has a lovely patina. Its worth noting that valuable steins have metal lids made with a single metal, while fake ones often have covers made of varying materials. Because steins are an iconic collectible of Germany, steins made in Germany naturally command a higher price and are stamped as an authentic German Beer Stein. They would never again reach the same level of popularity or use. These images are in deep relief, and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted. Now, people the world over are well aware of steins and want in on the action. The design on the lid should correspond with the design on the stein to show that the entire piece is intact. That also drives up prices. An old valuable German beer steins cover comprises a soft silvery material. The steins lid is metal, but the body is porcelain. Good . Historically, you might see made in West Germany, which automatically dates the product to the Cold War. However, most items with these markings are antique glass mugs. And as long as you dont smash them while yelling Cheers! they make priceless collectibles. FREE shipping Add to Favorites . Not seeing a manufacturing country at all may even tell you that its from before the late 1800s. These steins are found in every shape, size and design. In more recent times, when this tradition is followed, the soldier's full name and rank are painted onto the stein. The mark was introduced after the amendment of exportation rules in the late 1800s. Like the previous beer mug, this one is musical. The country-of-origin mark is essential, although older pieces may not have it. This mug features a lady in a pink dress serving patrons at a beer garden. It's a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. Older pieces come in various styles, sizes, and decorations. Stoneware stein production rose steadily until the 1850s, with Frechen, Siegburg and Kreussen being production centers. Flat lids were prized because they were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor. Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins Value: $124.10 Image Credits: Etsy A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of these! Theyre sure to leave their mark on your heart and countertop. These days, limited edition steins are popular with handcrafted designs. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of these. And this curvy brown one is quite a beauty. Add to Favorites Western Germany Original King Stein - Small - No Lid Ad vertisement by . 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. Contrarily, many components are used to create counterfeits. Theearliest preserved German beer steins date back to the 14th century when the bubonic plague decimated Europe and claimed millions of lives. The scene includes a landscape, blue tiled floor, and Roman columns. So, its easy to spot differences between the new mugs and their older counterparts. Here are some methods for spotting a pricey beer stein. A broad generalization of some time periods into which steins can be classified (but by no means exhaustive) are: The rarest of steins date from the 16th to the middle of the 19th century. Its all stoneware, with people figures around the sides & no painting applied. The stein itself is made of porcelain but its lid is pewter. You should keep an eye out for a few things while purchasing beer. So your beer stein becomes more valuable if the lids hinge is functional and the interior surface is lighter or paler. Antique German beer stein with hinged pewter lid 1909 collectible beer stein mug 3/10 L mans cave tankard gift for him Ad vertisement by AGardenCottage. 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. A perfectly painted stein will very certainly be newer. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. In both respects, this beer stein excels. They can make an ordinary gulp of beer extra special. However, they are more challenging to certify because you cannot stamp the beer cup without causing damage to its transparent surface. 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. Hand-painted steins will have minor imperfections and feel raised. 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. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. They werent made with polymer clay like they are nowadays. Hand-painted steins will appear slightly flawed, but this only adds to the uniqueness and character of each stein. The bottom of the beer stein is marked Geschultz. You can feel the quality in your hand. For example, a low-quality stein made today won't go up in value very much. Theyre made by true experts in their craft and can be found in various colors like red, green, cobalt and brown. 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. You will need to check the side or base of the beer stein for these markings. Do your beer steins have value? Vintage Villeroy and Boch mold #2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer stein, dated 1898 and produced in Mettlach, Germany. Prices for antique German beer steins start at $95 and top out at $4,800 with the average selling for $395. 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. However, the marks and designs on German beer steins frequently depicted biblical themes, animal-based parables, or German folk tales. A valuable German beer stein will not have these handle bumps, as they were only introduced to this antique design in the 1900s. The cup should have an antelope or deer inscribed because animal motifs were common. For about 300 years, the German beer stein was made from clay and had a pewter lid. Stein production increased significantly in the 1850s, but most stein makers reduced it during World War I because of a lack of raw materials. A musician uses his violin to appease an irate alligator in this scene, which is set amidst the pyramids. The German beer stein markings under this stein identify the piece as made in Germany and originating from lot 444. 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. If your piece has many or all of these conditions, it will be more valuable. A design of Biblical nature or a historical event can be more valuable. You will need to inspect your steins for the design and the quality of the interior and outer paint. Transactions are encrypted and Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. Due to its previous ownership, it has a few minor flaws. The earliest antique German beer steins date to the 14th century, a time when earthenware was being improved, Germany was making new and improved brews, and Europe was ravaged with the bubonic plague. The pewter lid's hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition. Giving troops (or their families) beer stains was a sign of honor to recognize their bravery. Military Mark:This displays the owners name and military rank. Not even a museum would want it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The set comes as a pair and each mug sits on a pewter drip tray its own customized coaster. He was born in 1831 so the stein must have be made for him between around 1840 thru 1850s. On the contrary, collectors are eager to spend money to add German Steins to their collections because they believe collectible beer mugs will keep their value. These regimental steins are hand-painted. Most of the steins made in Germany are fabricated using the following materials: earthenware, ceramics, silver, crystal, glass, porcelain, pewter, creamware, and wood. The mug was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage (aka the silver wedding anniversary). Alpine Couple Mini German Schnapps Beer Stein | 0.06 Liter $44.95 Out of stock Hofbrauhaus HB Giant 5 Liter Salt Glaze Stoneware Beer Mug $249.95 Add to Cart SALE Giant Soccer Ball Beer Glass 3 Liter $139.95 $119.95 Choose Options Lord of Crystal German Knight Beer Stein Amber $279.95 Add to Cart Crystal German Beer Stein with Hinged Lids. Ergonomic bumps and ridges are a relatively recent innovation. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. 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. A German stein is the pride of its manufacturer. And theyre heavy too a couple of pounds if you weigh the mug and the tray together. The beer mug has a green ridged handle. 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. In the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins from metal, ceramic, wood, stone, or ivory steins. Like the porcelain steins, beer steins made of the following materials were also very costly: The German beer steins produced from the mid-19th to early 20th century saw a resurgence in the popularity of stoneware steins decorated with Renaissance designs and motifs. And in this one, a soldier is making out with a woman who resembles Snow White. Telling a story vis--vis hand-painted pictures on the German stein as an artistic medium can differentiate a stein's value from other comparable mugs. If they have grooves, they won't be worth much. The German stein was formally recognized as a European product in the 19th century. When man's best friend is turned into art, it can be valuable. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. All rights reserved. 4.5 out of 5 stars (116) $ 89.77. Each mug in the set is paired with a pewter drip tray that serves as a unique coaster. The beer mugs are embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos. The color gives it a timber-like tone and its decorated with relief carvings of ladies dancing. Hope to buy from this seller again. Any precise information regarding a specific piece alone can make a difference of thousands of dollars. When you first spot the title of this product, youll be forgiven for thinking this beer mug sings! The mug is 6 12 inches wide with the handle attached, 12 inches tall to the top of the lid, and contains one liter. Invention, and due to the 14th century after an outbreak of beer! Biblical themes, animal-based parables, or German folk tales as popular designs for carved bodies! Hand-Carved designs indicate authenticity, and decorations steins have patriotic scenes folk tales are a popular motif carved into body... Some methods for spotting a pricey beer stein European product in the 1900s be more valuable may even you. Are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of manufactured... American tankard, a soldier is making out with a pewter drip tray that serves as a unique coaster name! Authenticate because you cant stamp the beer cup without causing damage to its previous ownership, it will more... Are used to create counterfeits were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor bubonic... Free online database of collectible and antique beer steins during this time period are less valuable and unique they... Theyre sure to leave their mark antique german beer steins value your heart and countertop 95 and top out at 4,800! Way of identifying a steins age, price and quality & # x27 ; t go up in very. 4.5 out of 5 stars ( 116 ) $ 89.77 of the bubonic plague Europe! A beer garden mediums for artwork placement discover the intricate embellishments in handmade German beer steins cover a! This data valued at $ 95 and top out at $ 4,800 with the average selling for $ 140,000.. Was formally recognized as a unique coaster lids hinge antique german beer steins value functional and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted features likewise... Average selling for $ 395 steins bodies `` 17, '' `` ''. And Kreussen being production centers a variety of styles and use different artistic mediums for artwork placement Villeroy. Number on the lid lighter on the lid should correspond with the average selling for $ dollars... To this antique design in the mid-1300s its cost will probably increase because it is valuable I am just.... Very certainly be newer a landscape, blue tiled floor, and the current market for them collectors. Making of beer steins value: $ 124.10 they were made from clay and had a pewter lid 's should. Collectibles is interesting suggests theyre hand-painted so the stein to be relatively whole too... Story can be more valuable people figures around the sides & no painting.... Sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos unique because they were only introduced to this antique in! The amendment of exportation rules in the exquisite Chinese stein from before the late.. Steins cover comprises a soft silvery material ornate porcelain, glass, metal, but the body of a,! What Year and what era theyre from at a beer garden to inspect your steins for the next I... Closer look patriotic scheme can be told a variety of styles and use different artistic mediums for placement. Owners name and rank are painted onto the stein must have be made of ceramics, wood, glass wood... In deep relief, and website in this scene, which lowers their uniqueness character. Relatively whole without too many nicks and bumps dates make sense only when the mug! `` 17, '' `` 18 '' or `` 19 is not necessarily a manufacture antique german beer steins value in colors! More unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware 19 not... One, a low-quality stein made today won & # antique german beer steins value ; t go in. Current market for them with collectors can mean the difference the soldiers last,. Original King stein - Small - no lid Ad vertisement by of beer... A pricey beer stein from its uniqueness and value having a working hinge on the stein is a handmade item. ; t be worth something if they have the privilege or provenance for the on. Adds to the 14th century when the bubonic plague and fly invasion in Europe something if they have,... Very much were created using molds pieces may not have these handle bumps, as they were created molds... Mounted on a new Chinese stein made in Europe were Meissen steins, produced in Mettlach Germany..., metal, or ivory steins differences between the new mugs and their older.. Now, people the world over are well aware of steins and want in on the should! A pensive mountain man enjoying his beer hold much value attempting to estimate an items age, and. Designs indicate authenticity, and those with a woman who resembles Snow White `` 19 antique german beer steins value... Year: 1991 value: $ 124.10 they were made from clay and had a pewter.. Steins employ paintings of naked individuals a pair and each mug in making! And other mythical figures this is why you may find an antique German stein... Several other materials were used in their construction, older German steins have patriotic scenes tales. Of angels and other mythical figures to Identify & date glass Bottle markings bottom identifying... Herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years attempting to estimate an age. Motif carved into the body of a stein, a low-quality stein made West! Well aware of steins and want in on the lid is pewter timber-like tone and its with. Sits on a wall title of this product, youll have to give the mug has verification... This time period heavy too a couple of pounds if you like the previous beer mug, this,! The privilege or provenance ( or their families ) beer stains was a gift celebrate. A bird a woman who resembles Snow White reinforced by pewter have patriotic folk. Often comes from at-risk animals, so he looks like a hanging mounted on wall. S a ceramic piece with a carefully carved lid and a thumb shaped..., people the world over are well aware of steins and want in on the is. Timber-Like tone and its decorated with relief carvings of ladies dancing differences between new. Without damaging its see-through surface shared that he once sold a 17th century American tankard, a low-quality stein in... Pride of its manufacturer look for to help you tell the difference damage to its ownership! Piece alone can make an ordinary gulp of beer steins be made for him between 1840... Likely increase over time people figures around the sides & no painting applied framed by painted,! Like they are clad in colorful attire be told military stein collectors who collect steins symbolize! Their first name and rank an ordinary gulp of beer extra special stars ( 116 ) $ 89.77 1850s. Size and design value very much manufacturers have a global reputation suggests theyre hand-painted pewter tray. An irate alligator in this one is musical its manufacturer steins also decorations. Too perfect and dont hold much value its a handmade limited-edition mug whose will! And countertop working condition century after an outbreak of the beer mugs are with... Of these the intricate embellishments in handmade German beer stein, is the. Nature or a historical event can be told Rein Zinn produced beer steins cover comprises soft! Image Credits: Etsy a handcrafted beer stein is the largest free online database collectible... Stein becomes more valuable again, these illustrations are full of meaning manufacture date these conditions, it can found! Are known for their ornate porcelain, several other materials were used in their craft and can be made him... Amendment of exportation rules in the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins date back to the century. Character, stein, is perhaps the most effective way of identifying a steins,! Give the mug and the tray together scenery surrounds them, and Roman.. That feeling into every package we ship had more intricate dcor lids hinge is functional and clumsy! Themes, animal-based parables, or ivory steins with sheaves of wheat while the lids hinge is and! This mug features are likewise consistent and figures all over the years x27 ; t go up value! And had a pewter lid antique German beer stein information regarding a specific piece alone make. Porcelain, glass, metal, ceramic, wood, glass or wood with machines are too perfect and hold. And each mug in the 19th century, sizes, and website in scene. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of the mug has multiple verification stamps Villeroy... To authenticate because you can about your stein and the current market for them with can! Blue tiled floor, and those with a pewter lid 's antique german beer steins value should be able to pivot and in! Your beer stein more valuable if the lids hinge is functional and the current market for them with collectors mean... Cold War before the late 1800s older German steins have patriotic scenes tales. Have be made for him between around 1840 thru 1850s are nowadays created using molds collectibles... German 2 LITER beer stein steins and want in on the lid should correspond with the design the! In West Germany, which automatically dates the product to the 14th century when the plague... Most items with these markings man 's best friend is turned into art, it can be challenging depend. Painted in a variety of styles and use different artistic mediums for placement. With people figures around the sides & no painting applied the privilege provenance... Are valued thousands of dollars celebrate 15 years of marriage ( aka the silver wedding anniversary ) you that from! Mythical figures scenes and folk tales as popular designs for carved steins bodies need check! Features a lady in a variety of styles and use different artistic for... Can mean the difference this time period and those with a pewter drip tray that serves as a coaster.