Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original Imperial German WWI-era salt-glazed stoneware beer stein decorated with patriotic wartime imagery honoring Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg. The body features two prominent 1914 Iron Cross motifs, the Imperial-era patriotic slogan MIT GOTT FÜR KAISER U. REICH, and a central portrait of Hindenburg identified below as v. HINDENBURG. The original pewter lid is now missing, although a small portion of the hinge or mounting assembly remains attached to the handle.

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 patriotic Imperial German salt glaze beer stein with two great motif depictions of the 1914 Iron Cross with the phrase MITT GOTT FUR KAISER u. REICH, and a central motif depicting Paul von Hindenburg over his name, v. HINDENBURG. The stein is missing its lid with a small portion of the assembly still present on the handle. The stein measures 6 3/4” tall with a 3 5/8” base diameter.

This example is particularly noteworthy for the combination of its salt-glazed stoneware construction, Paul von Hindenburg portrait, paired 1914 Iron Cross motifs, patriotic Imperial German inscription, and surviving portion of the original lid mounting assembly. These features make it a strong representative example of German patriotic commemorative ware produced during the First World War.