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 very high quality original Imperial German Regimental beer stein. It is highly decorated on the exterior, and these were generally made with lovely design on the exterior, with banners and other areas where they were customized for the specific regiment / unit that the person ordering the stein requested. These were usually ordered in groups for a particular regiment, and this example is marked for the 2nd Squadron, Garde-Kürassier-Regiment. Both steins have gorgeous hinged lids with ceramic centers painted with beautiful depictions of a member of the Garde atop his horse in his helmet and chestplate. The underside of the lid of one of the steins bear the regimental designation:

2. Esr. Garde. Kür. Reg. Berlin 1897.
2nd Squadron, Guard Cuirassier Regiment, Berlin, 1897.

The top of the lid of the other stein is marked with the phrase:

Die häusliche Bufriedenheit, ist Paradies und Seligkeit
Domestic peace is paradise and bliss.

Both steins are named at the top of the painted lids Wilhelm Frodermann. The stein indicates that Frodermann was in the Garde-Kürassier-Regiment in 1897, stationed in Berlin. 

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, the Guard Cuirassiers were in reserve at the Battle of St. Privat . This was followed by skirmishes in the Sedan area and then participation in the Battle of Sedan on September 1, 1870. The following winter, the regiment was assigned to the besieging force around Paris and returned to its garrison in June 1871.

Following mobilization at the start of World War I, the regiment marched through Luxembourg and Belgium to northern France on August 4, 1914. After participating in the Battle of the Marne, they retreated and engaged in trench warfare along the Aisne until December 1914.

From December 1914 to July 1915, the regiment served in border security on the Belgian-Dutch border. From August 1915, it was transferred to the Eastern Front , participating in offensive battles in Russian Poland and Galicia . From October 1915 to February 1918, it engaged in trench warfare near Pinsk and Kovel . Afterwards, it was transferred to Silesia , where it definitively lost its cavalry status and was converted into a cavalry rifle regiment within the Guard Cavalry Rifle Division . Following the completion of their infantry training, the former cuirassiers were deployed in defensive battles on the Western Front until the end of the war. The march back home began as early as November 10, 1918.

Both steins are made of glass with gorgeous floral embellishment to the panels. Each has a hinged lid with the same eagle as on their helmets on the hinges. The first stein depicts the soldier on horseback charging with a lance, while the other shows him shaking hands with a bride and groom. This is surrounded by the phrase Gott segne Euren Bund, or God Bless your union.

The underside of each lid has a pair of hands shaking under Ich gratulire!, or Congratulations! There is other text which is more difficult to read. The undersides have red cypher letters LF and FF. The bottom of the LF is marked Lina Frodermann, possibly his wife.

There are no maker marks on the bottom of the steins, however that is not uncommon. The lids are in great shape, and the joint with the hinge is still solid on one, while it is a bit loose on the other. The glass has no cracks and they have been very well cared for. The steins each measure approximately 9 inches in height, and are 4" across the base. They are both capacity marked for L ½, or half of a liter.

A very impressive pair of display items from the German Empire. Ready to research and display.