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. After the War Ended, the much reduced German armed forces now had ample resources to produce steins, and production was restarted.

This is a lovely WWI era stein for a soldier serving in the 8th Royal Bavarian Infantry "Grand Duke Frederick II of Baden" Regiment, first raised 1 October 1753 and garrisoned in Metz, part of the long-contested Alsace–Lorraine region on the German / French border. This region was taken by the German Empire in the wake of the Franco-Prussian war, and restored to France after WWI. The 8th regiment was part of the II Royal Bavarian Corps and took part of WWI, after which it was dissolved along with much of the German army. The stein depicts the Bavarian shield with blue and white diamonds, with a helmet atop it reading J. 8 R.. The text above it reads:

Vereinigung ehem. Angehöriger
d. 8. Baÿer. Inft. Rgt. e.V. München.

Association of former members
of the 8th Bavarian Infantry Regiment, Munich.

To the left of the front reads Threm Kameraden and to the right reads lieben S…midt August..

The bottom of the stein has a maker’s mark, AG / WW. The lid has initials engraved on. The hinge itself has a Bavarian lion. 

The stein measures 6 ½” tall, with a 3 ¾” base diameter. 

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