{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-nsdap-military-hospital-support-services-gmunden-hospital-commemorative-stoneware-beer-stein","title":"Original German WWII NSDAP Military Hospital Support Services Gmunden Hospital Commemorative Stoneware Beer Stein","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.realorrepro.com\/article\/Regimental-beer-steins\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRealorRepro\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.steveonsteins.com\/reservists-regimental-and-occupational-reproduction-beer-steins-below\/reservists-regimental-reproductions\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSteveonSteins\u003c\/a\u003e, and this one has all of the correct aspects for being original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely handmade original stein, made for those who worked with the hospital support service for the Austrian area of Gmunden, which had been a resort type area for years, and housed a military hospital once the Anschluss took place. The side of the stein bears a shield-shaped colorful Gmunden coat of arms, surrounded by the following text:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErinnerung an das Lazarett Gmunden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Gmunden Coat of Arms)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN. D. S. A. P.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLazarettbetreuung\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis translates roughly to \"\u003cem\u003eIn Memory of the Gmunden Military Hospital, N.S.D.A.P. Military Hospital Support Service\u003c\/em\u003e\". There is no capacity or maker marking on the stein, but we assume it is about 0.5 liters, one of the standard capacities of WWII era steins. It measures roughly 4 5\/8” tall with a 3 5\/8” base diameter. Condition is very good, showing just a bit of cracking around the mouth, and no major damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice Genuine German Beer Stein from the WWII Period. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45116583116869,"sku":"ONAC25SD0044","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/CBCA7242-EB1A-453A-9C39-EB41A1D98BBF.jpg?v=1780946713","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-nsdap-military-hospital-support-services-gmunden-hospital-commemorative-stoneware-beer-stein","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}