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 with a large 97 in a shield, below which it is marked:

And. I. M. Sohn Heinrich, b. d. 5. Cp. 1. Oberrh. Jnftr. Regt. f. G.I. Saarburg

This is a clear reference to the 97th (1st Upper Rhenish) Infantry Regiment, first raised 24 March 1881 and garrisoned in Saarburg, in the far West of Germany on the banks of the river Saar. We believe it is possible that the first part of the painted inscription is the name of the owner, while the rest indicates they were part of the 5th Companie. There are other inscriptions on the front, typical patriotic phrases and the like, and the embossed lid also bears some text. The lid shows a sitting German infantry solidier holding up a canteen or possibly a flask.

There is no maker mark on the bottom of the stein, however that is not uncommon. The lid is in great shape, though as with many we see the solder joint holding the lid to the hinge has gone "cold" and cracked, so it should be handled with care. The stein measures approximately 11 1/4 inches in height, and is 4 1/4" across the base. The glaze is in very good condition, showing some cracking on the bottom and on the interior. The bottom of the inside has an embossed design that may be a maker's mark.

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