{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-pre-wwi-wilhelm-i-deutscher-kaiser-glass-stein-with-hand-painted-ceramic-lid-insert","title":"Original Imperial German Pre-WWI Wilhelm I “Deutscher Kaiser” Glass Stein with Hand-Painted Ceramic Lid Insert","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original \u003cstrong\u003eImperial German pre-WWI glass stein dating to the late 19th century\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring a hinged pewter lid with a hand-painted ceramic portrait insert depicting \u003cstrong\u003eWilhelm I\u003c\/strong\u003e, King of Prussia and the first German Emperor. The painted panel is surrounded by the inscription \u003cstrong\u003eDeutscher Kaiser\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the overall construction, materials, and decoration are fully consistent with the type of commemorative and military-themed steins produced during the Imperial German period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic German regimental and commemorative steins from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are heavily reproduced today, with modern copies frequently outnumbering surviving originals on the market. We have examined this example closely with reference to established collector resources, and it shows the construction and age characteristics expected of an authentic period piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stein itself is made of clear glass and fitted with a hinged pewter lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet into the lid is a \u003cstrong\u003ehand-painted ceramic panel\u003c\/strong\u003e depicting Wilhelm I in elaborate ceremonial dress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilhelm I became King of Prussia in 1861 and, following German unification, was proclaimed \u003cstrong\u003eGerman Emperor in 1871\u003c\/strong\u003e, a position he held until his death in 1888.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe portrait shows him wearing a crown that resembles the \u003cstrong\u003eImperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire\u003c\/strong\u003e, though it may instead represent the German State Crown design associated with the newly unified German Empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surrounding text reads \u003cstrong\u003eDeutscher Kaiser\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted decoration remains well preserved overall, though there are some areas of paint loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat wear is consistent with age and handling and does not detract significantly from the visual appeal of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stein is not capacity marked, but it appears to be approximately \u003cstrong\u003e½ liter\u003c\/strong\u003e, which was a common size for period German steins of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e6 ¼” tall\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003e2 ⅞” base diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hinged pewter lid remains an important period feature, and the combination of clear glass, ceramic portrait insert, and Imperial German subject matter gives the stein a very distinctive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many steins of the 1890-1914 period were made as personalized regimental souvenirs, this example is better described as a \u003cstrong\u003ecommemorative Imperial German stein\u003c\/strong\u003e unless further markings or inscriptions identify a specific regiment or veteran.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the collector, the appeal lies in the combination of \u003cstrong\u003elate 19th century glass construction, pewter lid, hand-painted ceramic portrait of Wilhelm I, Deutscher Kaiser inscription, and strong Imperial German character\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe minor paint loss and absence of a visible capacity mark are fully disclosed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would make an excellent addition to an \u003cstrong\u003eImperial German, Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Empire, pre-WWI, military stein, or broader historical drinking vessel collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44855362355269,"sku":"ONAC25SD0762","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/83D91C85-EA96-4477-81C6-80EE44071346.jpg?v=1775675388","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-pre-wwi-wilhelm-i-deutscher-kaiser-glass-stein-with-hand-painted-ceramic-lid-insert","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}