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.

This is a lovely high quality Imperial German glass beer stein. The body is not decorated, but is capacity marked 0.3 L for 1/3rd of a Liter. The lid of the stein has a hand-painted ceramic disc in the center, the top of which is painted with a German coat of arms under a Knight’s helmet and plumes. The text surrounding this reads:

V.D. St. sei’s Panier!
Mit Gott für Kaiser und Reich!

V.D. Be its banner!
With God for Emperor and Empire!

The underside of the lid has interesting inscriptions with some overlapping itself:

Fritz Klässel F Dv! (xx)
s. / l. Lcf.
Gerhard Rothe F Dv! Dvt! (xxx)
z. Fr. Erg. Fjv!
Stiftungsfest 19 R 27

J. Becker Heidellberg

Stiftungsfest translates to Founder’s Day, but otherwise we were unable to translate any of the rest of the inscriptions, making for a fascinating research project. 

There is no maker mark on the bottom of the stein, however that is not uncommon. The lid is in great shape, and the joint with the hinge is still solid. The hinge has a great Imperial eagle perched upon it.

The stein measures approximately 6 1/2 inches in height, and is 3" across the base. The glass is in good condition without any breaks or cracks.

A very impressive display item from the German Empire, ready to research and display!