Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original Imperial German commemorative beer stein honoring Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of the German Empire. Constructed from clear molded glass with a hinged metal lid, the stein features a patriotic Bismarck motif incorporating his portrait and several dates associated with his life. The lid exhibits considerable age and surface wear, making portions of the decoration difficult to read, but the principal Bismarck imagery remains readily identifiable.

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 a great WWI era glass stein with a patriotic motif surrounding a bust of Otto von Bismarck. There are markings of important dates in his life, but the lid is heavily worn and now a bit difficult to read. The hinge is a lovely German shield and knight’s helmet.

The stein measures 6 1/2” tall with a roughly 2 3/4” base diameter. There is a capacity marking in the glass, 0.5L, for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these.

With its substantial clear-glass body, original 0.5L capacity marking, ornate hinged lid, heraldic hinge decoration, and surviving portrait of Otto von Bismarck, this is an appealing example of the patriotic commemorative material produced during the German Imperial period. The worn lid invites further study of the remaining dates and decoration, while the Bismarck subject gives the piece a clear historical association with the political culture and popular memory of German unification.