Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German pre-WWII Heer field artillery presentation beer stein made from cobalt decorated salt glazed stoneware and fitted with a named hinged metal lid. The lid depicts two German soldiers operating a field cannon and bears a presentation inscription to a departing comrade. The stein was manufactured by Strählein of Nürnberg and is named to Unteroffizier Heinhold.

German military service steins are among the most frequently reproduced categories of militaria. Reproductions have been produced in large numbers since the 1960s, and modern examples considerably outnumber authentic period pieces. This stein has been carefully examined with reference to established collecting resources, including Real or Repro and Steve on Steins, and its construction, decoration, markings, lid, and overall appearance are consistent with an original pre-WWII example.

The majority of traditional German regimental steins were produced from approximately 1890 through 1914. During this period, compulsory military service created strong bonds among men who trained and served together. Soldiers frequently purchased personalized souvenirs bearing their unit designation, branch imagery, names, and service information. These keepsakes included pipes, clocks, flasks, and, most famously, decorated beer steins.

Authentic Imperial period regimental steins were produced in pottery, porcelain, glass, and metal, with most fitted with pewter lids. Half liter and one liter sizes were especially common. The beginning of WWI largely ended the earlier tradition as manpower and materials were redirected toward the war effort.

Military presentation steins regained some popularity during the years preceding WWII. These later examples were generally more restrained and utilitarian than their highly ornate Imperial predecessors. They were often shorter, more simply decorated, and less elaborate in construction, but they continued to serve as meaningful reminders of military service and comradeship.

This half liter example is decorated with repeated cobalt blue floral and vine motifs around the body. The hinged lid is particularly attractive and depicts two German artillerymen serving a field gun. The lid bears the inscription:

IHREM SCHEIDENDEN KAMERADEN
UO. V. III./7. ART.-REGT.

“Ihrem scheidenden Kameraden” translates approximately as “To their departing comrade.” The abbreviated unit inscription appears to refer to a component of Artillerie-Regiment 7, although the precise reading and meaning of the first abbreviation have not been confirmed.

The edge of the lid is engraved:

UOTTZ. HEINHOLD

This appears to identify the recipient as Unteroffizier Heinhold, although the exact abbreviated rank should be compared directly with the engraving before publication.

The underside of the lid is maker marked:

STRÄHLEIN
NÜRNBERG

The base of the stein bears several additional markings, including:

3224

This is most likely a pattern or model number. A further maker or factory mark appears as:

AG
AA

The side of the body is marked:

1/2L

This indicates the standard half liter capacity.

With the lid closed, the stein measures approximately 5 1/2 inches tall. The base is approximately 3 1/4 inches in diameter, while the body measures approximately 4 1/2 inches at its widest point, not including the handle.

The stein remains in excellent overall condition. The cobalt blue salt glaze decoration is well retained, and the stoneware body is free of chips and cracks. The hinged lid, engraved name, artillery scene, maker markings, and presentation inscription all remain clearly visible.

This is a particularly appealing named German military presentation stein with strong field artillery imagery and documented Strählein manufacture. Its understated pre-WWII form, unit inscription, and personalized lid make it a desirable addition to a German military, artillery, or period drinking vessel collection.

Editorial Notes: The original title identified the stein as WWII, while the body described it as pre-WWII. The revised title uses “Pre-WWII” because the supplied description does not provide a dated marking confirming wartime manufacture.

The original text states “This .05 l stein,” which is incorrect. The visible capacity marking is 1/2L, or 0.5 liter.

The abbreviations “Uo. V. III./7. Art.-Regt.” and “Uottz. Heinhold” should be checked directly against the lid engraving before publication, as the supplied transcription may not be exact.