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."

During WWI and 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 an outstanding Pre-WWI stein commemorating the service of several sailors of the Kaiserliche Marine, the Imperial German Navy. The lid is embossed with a depiction of a propellor, a gear, and an anchor, with an Imperial eagle on the hinge. The rim of the lid is engraved 11 Hellnrig 13, likely the name of the soldier who the stein was originally made for between his years of service, 1911 to 1913.

The shield in the center reads:

Stammtisch
Technischer
Schiffsoffizier
Der
Handelsmarine
Ostseestation

Regulars' table
of technical
ship officers
of the
merchant marine
Baltic Sea station

This would denote that the sailor was a member of the merchant marine stationed at the Marinestation der Ostsee, the Baltic Sea Naval Station. This station was a command of both the Imperial German Navy, and the Reichsmarine which served as a shore command for German naval units operating primarily in the Baltic Sea. The station was headquartered at Kiel and was a counterpart command to the Marinestation der Nordsee.

The underside of the lid of this stein has a fantastic surprise. Nine sailors have engraved their names onto the underside, including Feyertag, Albrecht, W. Rudolph, Winter, Konrad E. Schultz, H. Schroder, J. Eckhoff, Hansen Dose, and Stein. An outstanding research project for someone with the means.

The stein is marked ½L for a half liter, the capacity. It measures 6” tall and 3¾” in diameter.

A very nice Genuine German Kaiserliche Marine Beer Stein from the WWI Period. Ready to display!