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 an outstanding 1939 Christmas-dated stein, one of if not the latest stein we have ever offered. They were quite popular during the inter-war era but you rarely ever see wartime examples. This example has a depiction of a Christmas tree behind an early Droop Tail Luftwaffe eagle with KRIEGS-WEIHNACHTEN or "War Christmas". Below this is the unit marking:

1. RES. FLAK. ABTL. 391.
1st Reserve Flak Abteilung 391

Below this is the year 1939. During this year, 391 was stationed in Koblenz. This would be only 3 months following the start of World War II. The stein is named to the right of this Gefr. Bohr for Gefreiter Bohr. 

The stein no longer has a lid but still has the indent in the handle for one. There is very heavy crazing and some cracking in the glaze which has given it a lovely patina. The stein is stamped 0.5L for half of a liter. It measures 4 ⅞” tall and is 3 ¾” in diameter at the base. 

A great stein from the beginning of the Second World War, ready for further research and display.