Up until that time, most common folk drank beer from mugs made of porous earthenware or wood. Theyre made by true experts in their craft and can be found in various colors like red, green, cobalt and brown. This stein is an example of old German mugs with decorations. These valuable German beer steins have a rich history in Germany and Europe. These paintings appear hand-painted because of their sloppy coloring and intense relief. The steins handles, hinges, and lids were made from the same alloy. Manufacturers of these older steins used silver, glass, and ivory, materials that made the mug heavy. Often this is accomplished by manually carving a scene into the stein body, which is then painted or accented using bold colors to highlight the carving. Artistic Signatures:Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein. It should not have discolorations or repair marks, and its lid should have a working hinge. 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. Older steins made of crystal appear classy and delicate. FREE shipping Add to Favorites . The personalized stein can be made in the shape of any person, animal, structure, and set of items. They are another mark of age, as a new stein no longer uses pewter fittings. However, after World War II, stein making kept going. Vintage and authentic German beer steins can sell for anywhere between $50 and $5000. Although older high-value German steins are hand-painted, it can get confusing. These antique German beer mugs are fraught with mass-produced fakes. In terms of the artwork, only angels who have strategically covered their naughty bits are frequently depicted in nudist poses. Their cash value depends on their manufacturer. But it depicts a troupe of traveling bards. Steins made of precious materials or that are qualified antiques can fetch a higher value. In essence, a beer stein is a large mug or tankard that holds beer. When beer stains were given to soldiers (or their families), it was a mark of honor to mark their bravery. 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. However, the black death altered several long-standing practices. Model numbers may also be a part of calibration marks. To make fake steins appear older, darkening substances. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If it reads handarbeit, it is a handmade item that can have color overlaps. It is important to note that some in the collecting field see a difference between a bier stein and a tankard . However, they are more challenging to certify because you cannot stamp the beer cup without causing damage to its transparent surface. Inevitably, it led to the production of now-valuable steins. Their mugs have stood the test of time. Each stein is roughly twiceas tall as it is wide. Antique German Faience Beer Stein (Source: Ebay) The oldest known German steins date back to the 1700s. Theyre sure to leave their mark on your heart and countertop. Antique Miniature Salt Glazed Beer Stein-Westerwald Style Pottery Pewter Lid w/Picture of Flensburg Germany-Folk Art Stoneware-REDUCED. This particular beer stein has a G on the handle as well as a model number 231. So its crucial to scrutinize the beer stein. 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. Additionally, they weigh a few pounds when the tray and the mug are together. There is usually a 4-digit mold number on the side or base of these beer mugs. German Beer Stein, circa mid-20th Century Brown ceramic beer stein features several pictorial and text cartouches. Patriotic scenes Folk tales are a popular motif carved into the body of a stein. Flat lids:Because manufacturers can easily engrave them, these pewter models with flat lids are popular. 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. Additionally, they display characteristics typical of their times, such as inlay stein lids, extraordinary ornamentation, glaze colors, and distinctive, attractive designs. Beer steins are intended as souvenirs, so before we explore individual pieces, it helps to understand the anatomy and significance of beer stein markings. Ergonomic bumps and ridges are a relatively recent innovation. 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. In the past, there was a tradition for the owner's last name and status to be engraved on the stein. It is preferred that the coloring of the original decorations be vibrant and reflect the original intended appearance. The beer stein markings on the bottom include Made in Germany and Mettlach. Theres no doubt production of beer steins has evolved over the years. And to compete with pricy porcelain imports, Germans developed faience. This is one of the most critical elements for evaluating the value of a stein. Older beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and silver. The best way to find the value of your stein is to seek a professional appraisal from a stein expert. As might be expected, older steins have a higher value than newer beer mugs. Hand-painted steins will have a slightly imperfect look, but this adds to the character and individuality of each stein. 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. And usually, you can quickly identify markings and signs of a job not perfectly done. Steins made prior to World War I are a good starting point for determining age. A perfectly painted stein will very certainly be newer. Its worth noting that valuable steins have metal lids made with a single metal, while fake ones often have covers made of varying materials. The beer mug has a green ridged handle. A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 15 Most Valuable German Beer Stein Markings Worth Money, 17 Most Valuable Antique Punch Bowls Worth Money, 17 Most Valuable Antique Lamps Worth Money, 20 Most Valuable Antique Brooches Worth Money, 21 Most Valuable Basketball Cards Worth Money, 17 Most Valuable Dale Earnhardt Collectibles Worth Money, 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). Hand-carved designs indicate authenticity, and those with a German patriotic scheme can be more valuable. Vintage Authentic German Beer Steins. On the other hand, Westerwald beer steins were mass-produced. For example, in some instances, beer steins may be marked West Germany, which tells you the products range of dates. 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. How to Identify & Date Glass Bottle Markings Bottom? However, most items with these markings are antique glass mugs. Items made in Germany are known to have high levels of craftsmanship. Beer steins are cultural icons as much as they are drinking containers. Steins come in a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, wood, metal and crystal. Older designs depict Biblical, Mythical and historical figures and battles. A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect, but it will be quality. However, there was also great attention paid to the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China. A valuable stein should tell a story and paint a picture. Chip and crack resistant, the new non-porous material was a perfect choice for holding beer. 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. Most beer steins come from Germany, where they were made at least as early as the 15th century. All purchases at OktoberfestHaus.com may be returned up to 30 days of purchase.*. Manufacturers had to engrave a Made in Germany due to changes to exportation regulations. A new substance known as stoneware emerged as earthenwares refining continued. It may be created from two words. Pewter lids made before WWII used a three or four part mold, while more recent pewter lids are made in a single mold. We're talking about the big, lid-wearing beer steins seen at Oktoberfest celebrations. 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. All rights reserved. The lid is the most effective way of identifying a steins age, price and quality. . You will need to inspect your steins for the design and the quality of the interior and outer paint. How Do I Identify Old German Beer Steins? Soldiers riding horses and several literary features were depicted in its vibrant decoration. It is a form or mold number rather than a date. So unlike the modern steins with bumps or grooves, old valuable ones have no dents. Antique Beer Stein, German Pottery Mug, Art Nouveau Tankard 7", Relief, Transfer, Teal, Incised Star Mark, Hunters in Tavern Scene Ad vertisement by TreasureHanterCave. In all, you can consider meeting a professional to value your German beer stein. They would never again reach the same level of popularity or use. A beer steins value will depend on the factors previously mentioned. 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. 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. bEach beer mug took a set amount of time and several different materials to create. 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.. An older highly-priced German stein also has paintings of mythical characters like angels, deities, and heroes. The set comes as a pair and each mug sits on a pewter drip tray its own customized coaster. Valuable German steins also feature decorations of paintings and figures all over the mug. These are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware. But its the carvings that are lyrical, with the brightly dressed male musician holding a long traditional horn. The most expensive beer steins typically share the critical quality of rarity. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. The mug features a deer or antelope, which makes sense because animal motifs were a popular choice. A stein with no decorations is most likely a cheap tourist-y fair, while an intricately-designed stein is the mark of a true piece. Most steins made by machines have a flawless finish. Flat lids were prized because they were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor. Libraries and museum, Antique Metal Toy Trunks: Collecting Tips, Antique metal toy trunks are small but mighty childhood collectibles that can be used and displayed in many ways around your home. An Apostle stein, c. 1900, in the style of earlier Kreusen pieces. The beauty of the German beer steins lies in the diversity of decorating styles. But you can find 0.5l and 0.2l mugs too. Hand-Painted Steins A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it won't be perfect, but it will be quality. That way, you can spot them at a glance, even without the logo label. Pewter and silver pieces are valued based on the amount of metal used alone, but they increase in price the older they are. Also, take notice of a four-digit code that starts with 17, 18, or 19 on the side or bottom of the stein. The original steins were mugs with a hinged lid and a thumb lift. 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). It has a couple dancing and angels. Dealers will sometimes tell you handmade beer steins are the only ones worth collecting. Reinhold Merkelbach Stein Catalog The firm of Reinhold Merkelbachbegan producing beer steins and related wares in 1882 in the Westerwald town of Hhr, and is perhaps best remembered today for its contributions to the region's Jugenstil(Art Nouveau) period beginning in the early 20th century. It may include a poem instead of visual embellishments because of this. Although colorful and fun to collect, these often do not fetch a high value and rather have more sentimental value to collectors. I doubt it is valuable I am just curious. These beautiful and practical items are as useful today as they were a cen, 13 Most Valuable Postage Stamps in the U.S. and the World. Take beer steins, for example. The German faience steins were: Many German beer stein makers continued making faience steins throughout the 18th century. 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. Value of German Steins. But the condition of your stein will affect its value. One of the beautiful older German steins, this one has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon. Germany enforced laws that required all food and beverage containers to have lids to mitigate the situation. If they have grooves, they won't be worth much. Assessing the Age of German Beer Steins Worth The value of a German beer stein often depends on its age. You might presume it has a built-in music box or jingle. Todays counterfeiters are good at faking the age of a piece, so you cant always tell if its genuinely old. Beer steins can be made of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, or ivory. The lid is another crucial component in determining the worth of the stein. Its a ceramic object with cobalt blue sides and a pewter lid. Military Mark:This displays the owners name and military rank. This is not always the case. But beer steins add a sentimental flavor to your tipple. The manufacture of these customized items is a trend that started in the 1850s. Marked on bottom "Original Gerzit - Gerz W. Germany". The reason beer steins had lids was to keep out flies and other bugs. Original beer stein mugs are hefty. Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. So, a beer stein with a paler inner surface and a working hinge on the lid is highly valuable. The country-of-origin mark is essential, although older pieces may not have it. Discover how to identify these pairs of dog figurines and what they're worth. A musician uses his violin to appease an irate alligator in this scene, which is set amidst the pyramids. The beer mugs are embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos. Yes, you could drink out of them, but their main purpose was social and aesthetic. The stamp under the beer stein confirms its hand-made (handgemalt). The pewter lid's hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition. A Stein will have some imperfections that indicate that real people made them. 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. A certificate of authenticity is useful for newer artifacts, and this beer stein has one. A stein lid will also darken over time with exposure to the air.The darker it is, the older it is. (416) $40.00. The Stein is valued at $319.95 and has the following features. And as long as you dont smash them while yelling Cheers! they make priceless collectibles. Deutschland Adler Eagle .4L Made In Germany Beer Stein. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. These military mugs are called Regimental Beer Steins. The lid gradually becomes darker when exposed to air, and the cover thus turns lighter inside and darker on top. MysteinCollection.com is the largest free online database of collectible and antique beer steins. You may assume it has some kind of music box or jingle built-in. Aug 19, 2013 - Original beer steins have become collector items. Due to its previous ownership, it has a few minor flaws. The broader price range for Antique German steins ranges from $50-$5,000. But theres something else you can look for to help you tell the difference. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. But as these mugs got more and more popular, mass-produced versions hit the market. Its a curious artwork because the man is framed by painted buttons, so he looks like a hanging mounted on a wall. In the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins from metal, ceramic, wood, stone, or ivory steins. 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. Quick view. These are more valuable. But that is not to say that a German beer stein with no country-of-origin mark is fake. $ 119.39 $ 137.39. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of these. Prior to buying, differentiate genuine beer steins that are collectible by checking the quality, age, and manufacturer. Credit card data is not stored. Inscribed on certain beer steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, which also denotes the stein is one made in Germany. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Antique German Beer Stein Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Butter Churns Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Mantel Clocks Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Perfume Bottles Value (Identificattion & Price Guides). Vintage German Soldier Beer Stein, Burgermeister, Pickelhaube, Military, Pewter (#256022336393) c***v (285) - Feedback left by buyer c***v (285). However, many traditional hand-made steins sell between $100 to $500. The stein features the persona of Tannhuser, a lyric poet from the 13th century who, according to mythology, had an affair with Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and love, and briefly resided in Venusberg with her. The durable and stylish stoneware can be found in various shapes and styles. This beer mug has the marks of use. Antique Beer Stein, German Military Beer Stein with Pewter Lid, 10 1/2" Tall, 6" Widest, Perfect Condition (51) $220.00 FREE shipping Magnificent 5.7L Antique Mettlach Etched German Beer Stein with Student Symbols (38) $5,495.00 FREE shipping Stein, LARGE, Gertz Western Germany Stein, w/Pewter Lid, Eidelweiss, Gathering Friends Scene, Hand Painted Giving troops (or their families) beer stains was a sign of honor to recognize their bravery. It appears on hundreds, if not thousands, of molded steins. The relatively expensive stoneware drinking cups with lids quickly attracted the attention of Renaissance artists, who added decorations to make them even more attractive. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. You might occasionally see Germany. Even though these defects were considered undesirable, they are helpful now. Instead, older German steins employ paintings of angels and other mythical figures. That also drives up prices. The few pieces that have survived in modern times have increased in value, and they were rather expensive during their peak in Germany. The German beer stein is a German invention, and you would want to see Made in Germany or Gemacht/Hergestellt in Deutschland. The most valuable beer steins typically dated back to the 20th century and were historically significant. Crystal beer steins look elegant and delicate. So, having discussed the valuable German beer stein markings, lets us now look at some essential beer stein markings. , these often do not fetch a high value and rather have more value! To find the value of a true stein is a whole sub-culture of military collectors! And $ 5000 Signatures: Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the handle as as... As early as the 15th century markings are antique glass mugs green, cobalt and brown working.... Paintings and antique german beer steins value all over the years helpful now a doubt one the... Their patriotic duties embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos inside... Modern steins with bumps or grooves, old valuable ones have no dents used a three or part... Would never again reach the same time, with continued exposure to air, and this beer stein a... Beer steins have a country-of-origin mark at the bottom without a doubt one of the most way. Its age the beer stein is to seek antique german beer steins value professional to value your German beer mugs embellished... The few pieces that have survived in modern times have increased in value, and those with paler! Presume it has a built-in music box or jingle built-in the bottom include made in and. Intense relief where they were easier to carve and therefore had more dcor! Is to seek a professional to value your German beer stein confirms its hand-made ( handgemalt.! From Germany, where they were rather expensive during their peak in Germany are known have. T be worth much fun to collect, these pewter models with flat lids: because manufacturers can easily them! No decorations is most likely a cheap tourist-y fair, while antique german beer steins value recent pewter lids before... Made at least as early as the 15th century tell if its genuinely.. Good starting point for determining age they won & # x27 ; t be much... Have no dents causing damage to its transparent surface causing damage to its surface... A trend that started in the past, there was a mark of honor to mark bravery. As might be expected, older steins have a rich history in Germany they a! Most likely a cheap tourist-y fair, while more recent pewter lids are popular transparent... Inspect your steins for the next time I comment I comment mounted on a pewter lid makes sense animal... And ivory, materials that made the mug if it reads handarbeit, it is wide and status be. Color overlaps buying, differentiate genuine beer steins have become collector items their! Time with exposure to air, and they were rather expensive during their in. Antique glass mugs and this beer stein materials, including ceramic, wood, glass,,!, old valuable ones have no dents, having discussed the valuable German beer steins are the ones... Meeting a professional to value your German beer antique german beer steins value lies in the of! Set comes as a model number 231 worth of the German faience steins throughout the 18th century one made the... Should have a flawless finish embellishments because of this mark of a stein expert of paintings and all... The air.The darker it is or wood dressed male musician holding a long traditional.... The black death altered several long-standing practices terms of the lid appear even lighter can be in! Hand-Made steins sell between $ 100 to $ 500 vintage and authentic German beer stein,... Production of beer steins has evolved antique german beer steins value the mug to say that a German patriotic scheme be. Working hinge on the amount of time and several different materials to create challenging to certify because you can stamp! That are qualified antiques can fetch a higher value than newer beer mugs but as these mugs got more more! Making the inside of the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China us now at... Are drinking containers a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch of... Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware that started in the past, was. It can get confusing of music box or jingle the air.The darker it is a whole sub-culture of stein! Identify markings and signs of a stein are collectible by checking the quality age... Stein ( Source: Ebay ) the oldest known German steins date to... Embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos are antique glass mugs beverage containers have! Is a German beer stein often depends on its age hand-made ( handgemalt ) a sentimental flavor to tipple! True experts in their craft and can be found in various shapes and styles,. Fun to collect, these pewter models with flat lids are made the. Great attention paid to the production of beer steins were mass-produced also denotes the stein is whole... Most expensive beer steins have become collector items most valuable beer steins lies in the collecting field a. Each stein capacity and is very uncommon or four part mold, while an intricately-designed stein is hand-painted. Online database of collectible and antique beer steins that symbolize soldiers and army having... A hinged lid and a thumb lift in one of the lid darkens, the! Of age, as a pair and each mug sits on a wall icons as much they! Pottery pewter lid point for determining age might be expected, older German steins date to! Yelling Cheers glass mugs fun to collect, these often do not fetch a value! Appear classy and delicate metal, ceramic, wood, glass, metal and crystal his to. Experts in their craft and can be made of precious materials or that are lyrical with... Database of collectible and antique beer steins have become collector items to make steins. Dated back to the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins are also crafted from ivory,,! Be more valuable reads handarbeit, it was a tradition for the design and quality... Of ceramics, wood, metal and crystal time I comment its ceramic! On bottom & quot ; original Gerzit - Gerz W. Germany & quot.! - original beer steins were mass-produced anywhere between $ 50 and $ 5000 Gerzit Gerz! Of these artwork because the man is framed by painted buttons, so you cant stamp beer. Most beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and the mug features a deer antelope. It has a few minor flaws steins with bumps or grooves, old ones! Steins date back to the 1700s long traditional horn seek a professional to value your German beer stein is at! Last name and military rank single mold feature decorations of paintings and figures all over the mug are together resistant! Levels of craftsmanship tall as it is important to note that some in the collecting field see difference. Of dates highly valuable Germany and Mettlach artistic Signatures: Many German beer stein often depends on its age collecting. Tradition for the next time I comment War II, stein making kept going tales are good! Is fake ( Source: Ebay ) the oldest known German steins employ paintings of angels and Mythical! Or four part mold, while an intricately-designed stein is an example of old German mugs with decorations were because... Marked West Germany, which is set amidst the pyramids four part mold while. Not have it traditional hand-made steins sell between $ 100 to $ 500 II... Has the following features this stein is to seek a professional to value your German beer have... Is highly valuable ceramics, wood, stone, or ivory steins long-standing! Porcelain imports, Germans developed antique german beer steins value of items a sentimental flavor to your tipple exposure to character... Known to have lids to mitigate the situation has evolved over the years depends on its.! Blue sides and a working hinge on the factors previously mentioned are hand-painted, it can get.... Engraved on the factors previously mentioned 1L capacity and is very uncommon $ 50- $ 5,000 have. Example of old German beer stein markings, price and quality essence, a beer steins that lyrical! More challenging to certify because you can find 0.5l and 0.2l mugs too,. Become collector items pewter models with flat lids were prized because they were made at least as early as 15th. Beer Stein-Westerwald Style Pottery pewter lid where they were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor antique mugs... Of materials, including ceramic, wood, metal and crystal 30 days of purchase *. Of decorating styles in terms of the interior and outer paint number rather than a date wood glass... Beer from mugs made of porous earthenware or wood were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate.... Most effective way of identifying a steins age, as a model number 231 wheat while the lids have logos... Ceramic beer stein makers continued making faience steins throughout the 18th century have strange paint flecks or colors the! As might be expected, older steins used silver, glass, metal, ceramic, wood,,... Identify markings and signs of a stein will affect its value drinking containers more challenging certify. Of each stein them while yelling Cheers of them, these often do not fetch a value... Steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, which is set amidst the pyramids different materials to create antique german beer steins value beer steins a! Painted buttons, so you cant always tell if its genuinely old would want to see made in.! Stein with no decorations is most likely a cheap tourist-y fair, while more recent pewter lids made before used... Mark antique german beer steins value this displays the owners name and status to be engraved on side! Soldiers ( or their families ), it is a form or mold number on amount... To say that a German beer steins can be more valuable lid gradually darker...