Original Item: Only One Available. This is an outstanding original Imperial German Uhlan regimental reservist beer stein, named to Reservist Lemcke of the 3rd Squadron, Ulanen-Regiment „Graf Haeseler“ (2. Brandenburgisches) Nr. 11, stationed at Saarburg in Lorraine. Commemorating his military service from 1903 to 1906, the stein features elaborate hand-painted cavalry scenes, a golden shoulder board bearing the regimental number 11, and the surnames of Lemcke's fellow soldiers. Particularly impressive is the ornate hinged pewter lid, topped by a mounted Uhlan figure whose horse retains its original glass eyes. The hinge is decorated with a crowned German eagle, while the interior contains a lithophane depicting a soldier and his wife. The stein remains in excellent overall condition, retaining exceptionally strong colors and a nearly flawless glaze, with only a small amount of looseness at the lid hinge. We have examined the stein with reference to established guides for identifying original Imperial German regimental steins, and its construction and decorative characteristics are consistent with period manufacture.

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.

This is a high quality original Imperial German Regimental beer stein. It is highly decorated on the exterior, and these were generally made with lovely design on the exterior, with banners and other areas where they were customized for the specific regiment / unit that the person ordering the stein requested. These were usually ordered in groups for a particular regiment, and this example is marked in the center with a golden epaulette with an 11 under an Uhlan Tschapka helmet, for the 11th Uhlan Regiment (2nd Brandenburg). The last names of the men of the company are to the left and right. We can certainly tell that the names of these men were hand-painted, not printed. The other side of the stein has depictions of these men on horseback charging into battle and at home bidding farewell to a loved one. This example is named to Reservist Lemcke. This example is in fantastic condition with great color retention and no serious damage.

At the bottom of the stein is the unit designation:

3. Esk. 2. Brandenb. Ulan. Rgmt. Nr. 11 Saarburg Lthr. 1903-06

This denotes that Reservist Lemcke served in the 3rd Squadron of  Ulanen-Regiment „Graf Haeseler“ (2nd Brandenburg) Nr. 11 from 1903-1906. The lid depicts an Uhlan on horseback, with glass eyes on the horse, a very interesting detail. The hinge has a fantastic German eagle wearing a crown.

The lid is in great condition, with just a bit of play on the hinge to the handle. The stein measures approximately 12 3/4 inches in height, and is 4 5/8 inches across the base. The glaze is near perfect with very few if any flaws. It is capacity marked 0,5 for half a liter, the standard capacity for these. There is a great lithophane of a soldier and his wife.

This 1903–1906 reservist beer stein of Ulanen-Regiment „Graf Haeseler“ Nr. 11 is a particularly well-preserved example of Imperial German cavalry memorabilia. Its identification to Reservist Lemcke, original squadron and garrison inscription, hand-painted company names, and elaborate cavalry scenes provide a direct association with the regiment during the years immediately preceding WWI. The mounted Uhlan lid with glass-eyed horse, crowned eagle hinge, and surviving lithophane further distinguish it from more conventional examples. With its strong original colors, nearly flawless glaze, and only minor looseness to the lid hinge, the stein retains the principal decorative and personalized features that make authentic prewar regimental souvenirs historically informative. It is an especially interesting example for collections focused on Imperial German cavalry, Uhlan regiments, and the military traditions of the German Empire.