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 great WWI era stein meant to give to a soldier of the municipality of Hassfurt.  The front of the stein reads:

Der Heimat Dank Nimm. Tapferer held entgegen. Du Gibst so viel und sie kann wenig geben es spende uns die zukunft ihren segen die kraft zu neuer tat. Zu neuem Leben.

Accept our thanks, homeland. Brave hero, we greet you. You give so much, and she can give so little; may the future bestow its blessing upon us, the strength for new deeds, for a new life.

The lid is embossed with the coat of arms of the Municipality of Hassfurt, and is embossed:

Die Stadtgemeinde Hassfurt ihren Kriegsteilnehmern 1914-1918

The town of Hassfurt to its war participants 1914-1918

This denotes that it was gifted to the soldier by Hassfurt. There is unfortunately no name on this example. The base has a maker’s mark reading:

R. MERKELBACH
GRENZHAUSEN
(NASSAU)

There is very heavy crazing and some cracking in the glaze which has given it a lovely patina. The stein is stamped 0.5L for half of a liter. It measures 6 1/2” tall and is 3 ¾” in diameter at the base. The lid is in great shape as is the interior.

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