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 WWI effectively ended the production of regimental steins as labor and materials were diverted to the war.

This is a very interesting Pre-WWI stein which gives more the appearance of an ancient Greek column! There is lovely crazing across the glaze which gives it a fantastic overall patina. The stein depicts four dragoons on horseback under the regimental designation:

DRAG.-REGT. KÖNIG ALBERT VON SACHSEN (OSTPR.) Nr. 10.

Dragoner-Regiment „König Albert von Sachsen“ (Ostpreußisches) Nr. 10

10th East Prussian Dragoon Regiment "King Albert of Saxony”

While named after King Albert of Saxony, the regiment was part of the Prussian Army, raised on September 27, 1866, and based in East Prussia. In 1914, the regiment was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Brigade, part of the 10th Cavalry Division, seeing heavy combat in the First World War. 

The lid of the stein has a lovely Imperial eagle on the hinge with a cacophony of arms motif on the top. There is some cracking in the stein especially at the bottom but it has held up rather well overall. 

The stein is marked 1/2L for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these. The stein measures 8 ½” tall with a 4” base diameter. The bottom of the stein has several markings including one large maker’s mark for NIETTLACH, and “865 / GESCHUTZT”, with additional marking 2140, 37, and 95. We believe the 95 to denote an 1895 date.

A great Pre-WWI example, ready to display.