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 commemorative beer stein, which is definitely different than most we see. It is more of a simple mug, definitely more utilitarian, and does not appear to have had any type of lid on it in the past. It also was a one time broken on one side long ago, and then period repaired with some metal stabilizing clips. This definitely looks to have been repaired long ago, and is still stable.

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 122 near the bottom, with 6. Comp. next to it in a yellow banner and Mergentheim underneath. The yellow banner at the bottom also names the stein to Reserv. Höger.

This is a clear reference to the 122nd (4th Württemberg) Fusiliers "Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, King of Hungary" Regiment, first raised 10 November 1806 and garrisoned in Bad Mergentheim. The 122st Regiment was part of the XIII (Royal Württemberg) Army Corps, and saw service in WWI, as it was relatively close to the French Border. After this it was dissolved along with much of the German army.

The stein indicates that Höger was in the 6th Companie, though there is no indication regarding their period of service. At the time Germany had mandatory military service for all able-bodied males. As a reservist he was most likely called up at the outbreak of WWI. There are also lots of other illustrations with inscriptions on the body of the stein, probably patriotic phrases and maybe poems or the like. At the top of the stein, is a classic German phrase seen on all types of military commemorative items (translations below):

Erin̄erung a/m Dienstzeit
A reminder of my service

Lower down on the stein is another classic phrase:

Hoch lebe der Reserveman̄
Long live the reserve man.

There are no markings on the bottom of the stein, but this is not uncommon. The stein measures approximately 4 3/8 inches in height, and is 3 3/4" across the base. The glaze is lovely, showing a love pattern of cracks and checking. It does show wear in the markings and glaze, so this is not a stein that sat at home. One can only imagine how much beer it has held during its life. It is also marked with 0.5L on the top by the handle, the typical capacity for these steins.

A very impressive display item from the German Empire, even with the repaired damage. Ready to research and display!