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 high quality Bavarian stein in commemoration of the “arming of Diedenhofen” on April 1st, 1915/16. The hinged lid is engraved:

Aus Anlass 
Gemeinsamer einjähriger
Tӓtigkeit
bei der Armierung
Diedenhofens
1. April
1915/16
4. bayr. Landsturm Pion. Komp.

On the occasion of
a joint one-year
activity
in the arming of
Diedenhofen
April 1,
1915/16
4th Bavarian Landsturm Pion. Company

This denotes the unit of the owner as the 4th Bavarian Landsturm Pioneer Company. The underside of the lid actually has a maker’s mark, reading:

Zinngiesserei
Ch. Reck
München

The side of the stein has a gorgeous handpainted wreath motif showing the city of Diedenhofen, but there is a lot of paint loss as shown. It is dated 1914 on the left and 15/16 on the right for 1915/1916.

The stein measures 6¼” tall and is 3 ¾” across the base. It is marked 1/2L for half of a liter.

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