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.

This is an interesting WWI-era stein that appears to be pewter to the exterior. The lid of the stein is engraved:

Die Unteroffiziere der 10. Komp. 21. (Bayer). J.R.
Ihrem ehem. Oberfeldwebel.

The non-commissioned officers of the 10th Company, 21st (Bavarian) Infantry Regiment, to their former Sergeant Major.

This denotes that the stein was purchased as a gift for the departing Sergeant Major of the company, the 10th Company of the 21st Regiment. The Bayerisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 21 was an Imperial German Army regiment that was attached to the 9th Bavarian Infantry Brigade, III Royal Bavarian Corps on the Western Front of World War I.

The front of the stein bears the Bayreuth coat of arms. The stein is opened via a knob on the center of the lid. The bottom of the stein bears an ovular maker’s mark reading:

Bayreuther
Gg. Sturm
Eichala

Eichala refers to a distinctive style of German pewter beer stein, particularly associated with Bayreuth, Germany.

The stein measures roughly 6” tall with a 4 ⅛” base diameter. The pewter is in good shape with some chips and cracks in spots. The side is engraved with capacity marking 0.5L, for half of a liter.

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