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 a lovely Pewter example with a gorgeous Iron Cross motif attached to the side. Pewter steins were most popular in Germany during the 18th and 19th century, but some companies still produced them into the WWI period. The bottom of the stein bears a maker’s mark featuring the Münchner Kindl, reading:

Schutz Marke

Ges. B.T.M. Gesch.

B.T.M. stands for Brüder Thannhauser, München. The origins of the Thannhauser family came from the town of Thannhausen in Swabia. The Jews were expelled from there circa 1717-1718 and the family settled in the tiny village of Mönchsdeggingen, also in Swabia (now Bavaria). After 1813 Jews were required to adopt a surname, so the family chose the name Thannhauser. Some generations on, and Abraham, Josef's and Albert's father, by 1874, had settled in Corneliusstraße 19, Munich, listing himself as a man of independent means. The company was founded at Rosenthal (now called Rosental) 16 in 1882 by Josef (b. 28th January 1856) and his half brother Albert (b. 18th June 1861).

The stein does not open all the way due to its design, so the lid only raises a few inches. The stein measures 6 ½” tall with a 4 ⅜” base diameter. It is marked on one side with ½L for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these.

A great stein, ready for further research and display.