Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original Imperial German pre-WWI glass stein dating to the late 19th century, featuring a hinged pewter lid with a hand-painted ceramic portrait insert depicting Wilhelm I, King of Prussia and the first German Emperor. The painted panel is surrounded by the inscription Deutscher Kaiser, and the overall construction, materials, and decoration are fully consistent with the type of commemorative and military-themed steins produced during the Imperial German period.

Authentic German regimental and commemorative steins from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are heavily reproduced today, with modern copies frequently outnumbering surviving originals on the market. We have examined this example closely with reference to established collector resources, and it shows the construction and age characteristics expected of an authentic period piece.

The stein itself is made of clear glass and fitted with a hinged pewter lid.

Set into the lid is a hand-painted ceramic panel depicting Wilhelm I in elaborate ceremonial dress.

Wilhelm I became King of Prussia in 1861 and, following German unification, was proclaimed German Emperor in 1871, a position he held until his death in 1888.

The portrait shows him wearing a crown that resembles the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, though it may instead represent the German State Crown design associated with the newly unified German Empire.

The surrounding text reads Deutscher Kaiser.

The painted decoration remains well preserved overall, though there are some areas of paint loss.

That wear is consistent with age and handling and does not detract significantly from the visual appeal of the piece.

The stein is not capacity marked, but it appears to be approximately ½ liter, which was a common size for period German steins of this type.

It measures approximately 6 ¼” tall with a 2 ⅞” base diameter.

The hinged pewter lid remains an important period feature, and the combination of clear glass, ceramic portrait insert, and Imperial German subject matter gives the stein a very distinctive appearance.

Although many steins of the 1890-1914 period were made as personalized regimental souvenirs, this example is better described as a commemorative Imperial German stein unless further markings or inscriptions identify a specific regiment or veteran.

For the collector, the appeal lies in the combination of late 19th century glass construction, pewter lid, hand-painted ceramic portrait of Wilhelm I, Deutscher Kaiser inscription, and strong Imperial German character.

The minor paint loss and absence of a visible capacity mark are fully disclosed.

It would make an excellent addition to an Imperial German, Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Empire, pre-WWI, military stein, or broader historical drinking vessel collection.