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 original stoneware stein, made to commemorate the Western Wall, referred to as the Westwall in Germany, but by the Allies usually as the "Siegfried Line". It was the German counterpart to the French Maginot line, and was intended to hinder any attempts to invade Germany proper. The stein features a blue insignia on the side that is an Eagle with what looks to be moat or egg in front of it, and in front of this are cement "Dragon's Teeth" anti-tank obstacles as used in the wall. Below this is the phrase Der Weſtwall ſteht! (The West Rampart stands!).

The side of the stein by the handle is marked with 1L for one liter capacity, twice the capacity we usually see. It is also marked under the handle in blue by the maker: 

KURT BÜCHEL
SAARBRÜCKEN

The stein measures roughly 7 1/4” tall with a 4 1/8” base diameter. Overall condition is very good, and there are no chunks missing, however there is a crack running down from the mouth towards the handle, and another below the handle.

A very nice Genuine German Beer Stein from the WWII Period. Ready to display!

The Siegfried Line, known in German as the Westwall ('western rampart'), was a German defensive line built during the late 1930s. Started in 1936, opposite the French Maginot Line, it stretched more than 630 km (390 mi) from Kleve on the border with the Netherlands, along the western border of NSDAP Germany, to the town of Weil am Rhein on the border with Switzerland. The line featured more than 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and tank traps. From September 1944 to March 1945, the Siegfried Line was subjected to a large-scale Allied offensive.