Original Item: Only One Available. Perhaps no other collectible is so shrouded in myth, misinformation and mistaken identity as German military commemorative beer 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.

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. After the War Ended, the much reduced German armed forces now had ample resources to produce steins, and production was restarted.

This is a very high quality original stein, 0.4L in capacity, which was hand painted during the post WWI Occupation period to commemorate an event held to entertain the forces:

This is painted around a very nice "Cowboy" silhouette inside a blue circle. To the left of this is the emblem of the U.S. Third Army, and to the right is the emblem of the 1st Infantry Division inside a Lauren Wreath. The Third Army's First Infantry Division was part of the forces in Germany during the post war occupation. They returned to the United States in September 1919, so this stein was made during the occupation to commemorate a circus event for the troops.

Condition of the stein is excellent, with light wear commensurate with the age. The painted on designs, which look to be glazed on, are very well retained. The stein is marked with 0.4L capacity, and is approximately 3 1/2"W x 4 3/4"H, not counting the handle.

Ready to research and display!