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 totally genuine WWII Third Reich era produced pottery 0.5L beer stein. A souvenir that would have been purchased by an individual who worked on the West Wall defensive system, this is a scarce remembrance beer stein. The stein features a rendition of an area of the Westwall with bunkers, concrete tank barricades, and a defensive canal. Above the rendering is the wording "Zur Erinnerung an die Westwallzeit". The design was apparently registered, as "Reproduction Forbidden" is printed to the side of the image. The stein has retained its bright colors and its pewter lid. It is .5 liter size, and is maker-marked on the underside. While many members of various Third Reich organizations and the military worked on the West Wall construction, commemorative steins are not often found. An excellent example.

The stein measures 6 ¼” tall with a 3 ⅞” base diameter. 

The underside of the lid is stamped REIN ZINN / BLEIFREI.

Ready to display.