Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly fine original Imperial German pre-WWI regimental reservist beer stein, named to Grenadier Grimm of the 2nd Baden Grenadier Regiment "Kaiser Wilhelm I." No. 110 (2. Badisches Grenadier-Regiment „Kaiser Wilhelm I.“ Nr. 110), stationed in Mannheim, Germany. Dating from 1908 to 1910, this elaborate commemorative stein features colorful military scenes, individually hand-painted names of fellow soldiers, a prominent crowned regimental cypher, and a decorative hinged pewter lid depicting a reservist raising his canteen. The lid hinge incorporates the distinctive coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Baden, while the body retains an embossed soldier surrounded by crossed flags and shields commemorating the years of service. The stein measures approximately 12 ¼ inches tall with a 4 ⅜-inch base diameter and remains in very good overall condition, with its original glaze, decorative fittings, and solid lid hinge intact. Original Baden regimental steins are particularly desirable among collectors of Imperial German military memorabilia, and this is an impressive example from the years immediately preceding the First World War.

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 white shoulder board with a 7, for the Westfälisches Fußartillerie-Regiment Nr. 7. The last names of the men of the company are to the left and right. The other side of the stein has depictions of these men in Battle firing field artillery cannons and riding on horseback, along with saying goodbye to their family. We can certainly tell that the names of these men were hand-painted, not printed. This example is named to Reservist Schwister.

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 a white shoulder board bearing a cypher under a crown, with a banner underneath reading:

2. Bad. Gren. Rgt. Kaiser Wilh. I. No. 110, Mannheim

This example is named to Grenadier Grimm. This denotes that Grimm served in the 1st company of the 110th (2nd Baden) Grenadier "Kaiser Wilhelm I" Regiment. 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 lovely depictions of men on guard, in camp, at home with family, and in battle. The middle section has a lovely embossed soldier with crossed flags and shields showing the years of service, 1908 to 1910.

The lid depicts a Reservist holding up his canteen sitting upon a seat. The hinge features the wappen plate for the State of Baden.

The bottom of the stein is stamped AS. The lid is in great shape, and the joint with the hinge is still solid. The stein measures approximately 12 1/4 inches in height, and is 4 3/8 inches across the base. The glaze is in very good condition, with no cracking we can see, but there is some wear and scuffing. There is no lithopane on this one. Baden examples of these steins are always very difficult to find.

The 2nd Baden Grenadier Regiment "Kaiser Wilhelm I." No. 110 later served in the German Army during the First World War, participating in operations on the Western Front as part of the 28th Infantry Division. The regiment's wartime service gives additional historical context to this prewar commemorative stein, which records the military experiences of a soldier during the years immediately preceding the conflict. While Grenadier Grimm may have remained liable for military service as a reservist following his discharge, we have not been able to establish whether he was recalled to active duty after the outbreak of war in 1914.

Imperial German reservist steins are valuable historical artifacts because they preserve the individual identities, regimental associations, and military traditions of soldiers who served before the First World War. This 1908–1910 Baden example is particularly noteworthy for its association with Grenadier Grimm, its clearly identified 2nd Baden Grenadier Regiment No. 110 inscription, and its extensive hand-painted decoration commemorating his military service. The crowned shoulder board cypher, individually painted names, embossed soldier with crossed flags, and distinctive pewter lid with Baden heraldry provide a detailed representation of the regiment's identity and traditions. Although the stein exhibits minor scuffing and lacks a base lithophane, its original decoration and sound lid assembly remain well preserved. As a personalized souvenir from one of Baden's historic infantry regiments, it is a particularly interesting addition to a collection of Imperial German military memorabilia, regimental steins, or artifacts associated with the Grand Duchy of Baden during the final years before WWI.