{"product_id":"original-german-pre-wwii-heer-field-artillery-salt-glaze-beer-stein-with-named-hinged-lid-by-strahlein-of-nurnberg","title":"Original German Pre-WWII Heer Field Artillery Salt Glaze Beer Stein with Named Hinged Lid by Strählein of Nürnberg","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGerman 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIHREM SCHEIDENDEN KAMERADEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUO. V. III.\/7. ART.-REGT.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe edge of the lid is engraved:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUOTTZ. HEINHOLD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis appears to identify the recipient as Unteroffizier Heinhold, although the exact abbreviated rank should be compared directly with the engraving before publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the lid is maker marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTRÄHLEIN\u003cbr\u003eNÜRNBERG\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base of the stein bears several additional markings, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3224\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is most likely a pattern or model number. A further maker or factory mark appears as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAG\u003cbr\u003eAA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side of the body is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\/2L\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indicates the standard half liter capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEditorial Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original text states “This .05 l stein,” which is incorrect. The visible capacity marking is \u003cstrong\u003e1\/2L\u003c\/strong\u003e, or 0.5 liter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe abbreviations \u003cstrong\u003e“Uo. V. III.\/7. Art.-Regt.”\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e“Uottz. Heinhold”\u003c\/strong\u003e should be checked directly against the lid engraving before publication, as the supplied transcription may not be exact.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44690118967365,"sku":"ONAC25SD0908","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25SD0908__03.jpg?v=1772496574","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-pre-wwii-heer-field-artillery-salt-glaze-beer-stein-with-named-hinged-lid-by-strahlein-of-nurnberg","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}