Original Item: Only One Available. This is an attractive German Bavarian commemorative beer stein decorated with the royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the dates 1835–1918, representing the period during which this particular form of the Bavarian royal arms was officially in use. The stein is fitted with a hinged metal lid decorated with raised vine ornament and a shell-form thumb lift.

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 an excellent Bavarian beer stein made in 1918 in commemoration of the state of Bavaria, with the coat of arms surrounded by the years 1835 and 1918 and at the top with the phrase:

Gott mit Dir, Du Land der Bayern

God be with you, land of Bavaria

There is also a Bavarian lion to each end. The stein has a hinged lid with lovely vine patterning and a shell hinge. The stein measures 9 ½” tall with a 3 ⅞” base diameter.

The combination of the 1835–1918 royal Bavarian coat of arms, “Gott mit Dir, Du Land der Bayern” anthem inscription, flanking lion imagery, and decorative hinged lid makes this an appealing commemorative piece relating to the final form of the Kingdom of Bavaria.