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. 

This is a great Pre-WWI era stein dating to the late 19th century. The stein is glass with a hinged pewter lid containing a hand-painted ceramic panel depicting Wilhelm I, King of Prussia from 1861 and German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he was the first head of state of a united Germany. He was regent of Prussia from 1858 to 1861 for his elder brother, King Frederick William IV.

The painted panel depicts Wilhelm I in ceremonial garb, wearing a crown which looks extremely similar to the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, although it may be the German State Crown designed in 1871. The text Deutscher Kaiser surrounds him. The paint is well-retained, though there are areas of loss. 

The stein is not capacity-marked but is likely ½ of a liter, the standard capacity for these. The stein measures 6 ¼” tall with a 2 ⅞” base diameter. 

A great stein from the Pre-WWI period, ready for display.