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. After the War Ended, the much reduced German armed forces now had ample resources to produce steins, and production was restarted.

During the build up to WWII, Steins once again gained popularity, though they were generally much more utilitarian than the ornate steins made prior to WWI. They were shorter, with much less ornate glaze, and did not have the level of fit and finish seen earlier. However they were just as cherished by the owners who purchased them to commemorate their service.

This is a lovely stein dating to the pre-WWII era, depicting a shield over a crossed axe and tool, over a saw and surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. Over the shield is a swas (hook cross). The saw reads:

Forstl. Schulungslager fur Waldarbeit

Forestry training camp for forestry work

This denotes a forestry construction unit. The stein is marked on the other side, 0.5L, for half of a liter. The bottom of the stein is actually maker-marked, rare to see, with a logo for Villtroy & Boch, Rettlach. There is a stamp as well, 526. 

The stein is missing its original lid. There is chipping along the top edge. The stein measures 5” tall with a 3 ¾” base diameter.

A great pre-WWII stein, ready for display.

A note on “Made in Germany”: Many collectors assume that if an item is marked “Made in Germany” or simply “Germany,” it must automatically be of post-WWII manufacture. However, that’s not historically accurate.

1. Country-of-origin marking began in 1891

Because of the U.S. McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, any imported item had to be marked with its country of origin.
For Germany, this meant:

• “Germany”

  
  

• “Made in Germany”

  
  

Both forms were used from 1891 onward, well before WWI.

2. Pre-WWI (1891–1914)

“Germany” was widely used on all sorts of exported goods—tools, toys, knives, household items, etc.

3. WWI and Interwar Period (1918–1939)

Germany continued using the same export marks.
You’ll see:

• “Germany”

  
  

• “Made in Germany”

  
  

Both are correct for items manufactured before and after WWI.

4. Third Reich Era (1933–1945)

Exported consumer goods were still marked “Germany” or “Made in Germany” when sold outside the Reich. Military equipment was typically not export-marked, but civilian/export items absolutely were.