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.

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 very 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 the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Württemberg (Königreich Württemberg) under the Kingdom's motto, Furchtlos und Trew (Fearless and Loyal). The coat of arms is surmounted by a Crown over O, for Queen Olga. At the bottom of the stein it is named to Grenadier Karl Hipp. The top of the stein under the lid has the somewhat long regimental designation:

Grenad.-Regt. Königin Olga, 1. Württ. Nr. 119 Stuttgart 6. Comp. 1907-1909

This is a clear reference to the Grenadier-Regiment „Königin Olga“ (1. Württembergisches) Nr. 25, or the 119th (1st Württemberg) Grenadiers "Queen Olga" Regiment. First raised during 1673 and garrisoned in Stuttgart, this regiment was known by various names over the years, and in 1864 Queen Olga of Württemberg was made the regimental chief. She was the second daughter of Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia. The regiment was part of the XIII Army Corps and took part of WWI, after which it was dissolved along with much of the German army.

The stein indicates that Hipp was in the 6th Companie, and served 1907-1909. At the time Germany had mandatory military service for all able-bodied males. As a reservist he was most likely called up at the outbreak of WWI. There are also lots of other inscriptions on the body of the stein, probably patriotic phrases and maybe poems or the like.

There is no maker mark on the bottom of the stein, however that is not uncommon. However, there is a marking under the hinge which probably indicates who decorated the stein. The lid is in great shape, and the joint with the hinge is still solid, as is the the connection to the handle. The stein measures approximately 11 1/2 inches in height, and is 4 1/8" across the base. The glaze is in very good condition, showing some cracking in areas. The bottom of the inside has an embossed design that may be a maker's mark. There is no capacity mark, but these were typically 0.5L.

A very impressive display item from the German Empire, ready to research and display!