Original Item: Only One Available. Perhaps no other collectible is so shrouded in myth, misinformation and mistaken identity as German regimental steins. These pieces have been steadily reproduced since the 1960s and most experts agree reproductions far outnumber authentic examples. Yet few buyers other than stein specialists know how to identify the fakes. We have examined this stein thoroughly, with reference to several websites such as RealorRepro and SteveonSteins, and this one has all of the correct aspects for being original.

The majority of authentic German regimental beer steins were produced between about 1890 and 1914. During this time, military service was compulsory in Germany. Most men would take basic training between 17 and 20 and then enter the reserves until age 40. A group of men would enter a unit together, stay in the same unit for training and be discharged as a unit. This sense of togetherness fostered the custom of buying souvenirs with the unit name, insignias and decorations as a keepsake of military service. Many souvenir items were available such as pipes, clocks, flasks and especially steins. Rosters of names from your unit, or regiment, could be added to the steins and these became known to collectors as "regimental steins."

Authentic ca. 1890-1914 steins were available in pottery, porcelain, glass and metal. Regardless of what the stein was made of, almost all had pewter lids. The most common sizes are half-liter and one-liter. The beginning of WW I effectively ended the production of regimental steins as labor and materials were diverted to the war.

During the build up to WWII, Steins once again gained popularity, though they were generally much more utilitarian than the ornate steins made prior to WWI. They were shorter, with much less ornate glaze, and did not have the level of fit and finish seen earlier. However they were just as cherished by the owners who purchased them to commemorate their service.

This is a great 1931-dated stein made for a fireman. The lid is engraved along the edge:

Erinnerung a.d. 10 jӓhr. Dienstzeit als "Wehrführer” v.d.fr. Feuerwehr Gleink 1931.

Memento of 10 years of service as "Fire Chief" of the Gleink Volunteer Fire Department, 1931.

This stein was presented to the fire chief of the Gleink Volunteer Fire Department, and from a 100-year anniversary book we were able to find that Josef Landrel served as the Gleink fire chief from 1921-1933, so he would have been gifted this stein in 1931. What an outstanding detail to be able to have for this great stein!

The stein is in great shape with a beautiful painted shield motif of a fireman’s helmet, trumpet, axe, hose, and rope. The stein measures 8 ¼” tall and has a base diameter of 3 ½”. The side is marked 0.5L for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these.

A great stein, ready for further research and display.