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 great WWI or pre-WWI period glass beer stein etched onto the front with the name of the owner, Otto Schmidt. The lid of the stein is silver or German Silver, and has a set of laurels surrounding a great depiction of a Prussian Gard’s Pickelhaube with functional moving chinscales at the front. One of the two rivets that holds this piece in place is gone, so it is a bit loose, but it sits great and looks amazing for display. 

Additionally, the hinge of the stein has a great bust depiction of Wilhelm I, the first German Emperor and the King of Prussia. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he was the first head of state of a united Germany. He was regent of Prussia from 1858 to 1861 for his elder brother, King Frederick William IV. During the reign of his grandson Wilhelm II, he was known as Emperor Wilhelm the Great.

The glass is not damaged at all but does show wear and residue buildup. The stein measures 7 ¾” tall and is 4 ¼” wide at the widest bulge point. The side is etched with ½L for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these. 

A gorgeous Prussian Garde stein from the Pre-WWI or WWI era, ready for further research and display.