Original Item: One of a Kind. 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."

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 totally genuine WWII Third Reich era produced ceramic .5L beer stein with a hinged pewter lid. This is a souvenir that would have been purchased by an individual who was a motorcycle trooper during the pre WWII Era. The stein features a rendition of a motorcycle trooper from the Heer Army, riding on what looks to be a BMW R12 or R23 motorcycle with a W.H.7000 license plate, which indicates Heer issue. Behind the trooper is the German WWII Reichskriegsflagge Battle Flag and NSDAP State Flag. To the right of this it is named to what looks to be Kraftf. Arm Willy., with the rank short for Kraftfahrer (Driver), the Motor Corps name for a Soldat.

II. Unterführer-Lehrgang- | v. 15.2.38 - 14.3.38

This translates to:

Junior Officer Training Course from April 15 1938 to March 14 1938

Junior Officer in this case is considered an NCO. The very bottom of the stein gives Willy's unit as Kraftfahr-Abteilung 7 | 3. Komp. München, or "Motor Detachment 7, 3rd Company Munich", which deifnitely represents a great opportunity for further research.

The stein has retained its bright colors and its pewter lid, which shows an early war style transitional M16 Stahlhelm helmet with a Heer Eagle decal, surrounded by a laurel wreath. It is a 0.5l size as marked by the handle, with a maker marking and some lot numbers stamped into the bottom of the stein.

This .05 l stein is in excellent condition being free of chips and cracks and totally original WWII era produced. Ready to research and display!