But theres something else you can look for to help you tell the difference. Germany introduced fixed lids to keep flies off their beer and mitigate the spread of bubonic plague in the mid-1300s. Oktoberfest beer steins are commonly available in 0.5 L and 1 L sizes. Manufacturers had to engrave a Made in Germany due to changes to exportation regulations. The value of originals also depends on how intact they are; a piece, no matter how old or rare, will lose value if its crushed and dented beyond repair. You will need to check for a lot more things, though. Some counterfeiters might offer you a phony stein with a German lid stamp. The covers over food and drink containers were necessary to stop a deadly sickness. You will thus want your rare stein to be relatively whole without too many nicks and bumps. Finally, German steins with larger alloy thumb lifts and covers were made cheaper in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A stein with no decorations is most likely a cheap tourist-y fair, while an intricately-designed stein is the mark of a true piece. These complement the stein and contribute to its uniqueness. These images are in deep relief, and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted. Siegburg, Cologne, Frechen, and Kreussen were the major centers for pottery production. Please note, however, by blocking cookies you will still be able to browse this website, but some of its features might not be available. When you first spot the title of this product, youll be forgiven for thinking this beer mug sings! But the condition of your stein will affect its value. You might presume it has a built-in music box or jingle. We are passionate about Oktoberfest and we care about our customers. Additionally, pewter is primarily used to embellish these steins. Due to its previous ownership, it has a few minor flaws. The steins lid is metal, but the body is porcelain. Inscribed on certain beer steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, which also denotes the stein is one made in Germany. German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Stein 1 Liter $64.95 Add to Cart German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Stein 0.5 Liter $54.95 Add to Cart German Stoneware Salt Glaze Beer Mug 0.5 Liter $24.95 Add to Cart German Eagle and Crests Stoneware Beer Mug 0.5 Liter $18.95 Add to Cart Munich 2019 Official Oktoberfest Beer Stein $69.95 Add to Cart On Etsy, a Rein Zinn World War I spiked helmet beer stein from the 1920s was priced at$330. A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect, but it will be quality. However, several steins have been sold for more than that price in auctions. As a result, you must use caution when seeking an old stein. Their lids were usually pewter-based, flat, or fashioned to resemble a spiked WWI helmet. Designed to insulate your drinks heat and cold, stoneware steins can be valuable if you know what youre looking for. $50.00 (20% off) This is an important marker for evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation. But it wasn't just German beer drinkers enjoying the famous German tradition of beer being poured into steins at an Oktoberfest party. There have been many well-made antique German beer steins over the years, but those made by Bohne & Sohne, Marzi & Remy and Villeroy & Boch are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Stein production continued after World War II. The most renowned manufacturing centers for German beer steins included Frechen, Siegburg, Kreussen, and Cologne. Etched and painted GERMAN 2 LITER BEER STEIN. The lid is inlaid and the bottom of the mug has faded etchings that identify the manufacturer and batch number. Beer steins made of faience, a type of earthenware that uses tin oxide to create a white porcelain looking glaze, quickly became popular in Germany. You may assume it has some kind of music box or jingle built-in. These regimental steins are hand-painted. Their mugs have stood the test of time. These beautiful, delicate, and i, Vintage Enamelware Pitchers Create a Country Feel, As you browse in your local antique store or peruse items in an online auction, you might see vintage enamelware pitchers. All comments are moderated before being published, A short sentence describing what someone will receive by subscribing. "Stein" is a German word literally meaning stone but comes from the phrase, "Stein Krug" (stone mug). 2023 LoveToKnow Media. We list the stein for sale in our antique section. It will depend on the mark left by manufacturers, the included lid, and the materials used, whether glass, wood or metal. By disabling cookies, you decide to not allow cookies to be stored on your computer. The mug was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage (aka the silver wedding anniversary). Historically, you might see made in West Germany, which automatically dates the product to the Cold War. However, the ones with the spiky helmet style were molded in three or four sections, making them more complex and expensive. Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins Value: $124.10 Image Credits: Etsy A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. So if you come across an almost flawless hand-painted German beer stein, its likely machine-made, thus, a newer piece. Sheaves of wheat are used as decorations on the beer mugs, while triple-hare logos are used on the lids. However, there was also great attention paid to the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China. A distinctive characteristic of old steins is their imperfections. But be wary of counterfeit steins whose makers use darkening agents to make the mug appear older. The ordinary people used a beer mug made of wood and earthenware before that, while the upper class drank from beakers or tankards made of silver, glass, and pewter. For example, German beer stein markings and artwork illustrate famous battles, Oktoberfest, and Biblical accounts. Such a lid is usually of significant value. But by the middle of the 1800s, the size of decorations made of ornate metal had gradually shrunk. An important fixture of the adolescent play space, these metal toy, Vintage Japanese Music Box: History & Collecting Tips, If you catch yourself humming the soft tunes from your childhood music box, then you'll definitely want to add a vintage Japanese music box to your home collection. There are ways of telling. These German beer steins contained a soldiers name, rank and status. Each stein is roughly twiceas tall as it is wide. Choose from unique steins depicting Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, German war heroes, The Berlin Wall, Germanic tribes, German legends and many historically interesting German Steins. And during the World Wars, it was all about the military. Their monetary and sentimental value will depend on what year and what era theyre from. The most expensive mugs are the ones produced during the bubonic plague. Its a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. Inevitably, it led to the production of now-valuable steins. That way, you can spot them at a glance, even without the logo label. But that is not to say that a German beer stein with no country-of-origin mark is fake. The bottom edge has scallops. In the seventeenth century, faience became more popular. Up until that time, most common folk drank beer from mugs made of porous earthenware or wood. This element increases the beer mugs sentimental value. Popular brands are Zoller and Born, King Werks, Hofbrauhaus, E.H.G., Thewalt, Essence of Europe Gifts, and Rastal, to mention just a few. You may be excused for thinking this beer cup sings when you first see the items title! It usually depicts great heroes, historical events, cultural symbols, and even theological figures. Discover the history, aesthetic, and value of lovely earthenware Japanese satsuma vases. Artistic Signatures:Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein. The Most Valuable Modern American/German Beer Stein Most recent auction price: $500 Manufacturer: Greg Hildebrandt Production location: Germany Manufacture period: 20th century Model/design: Greg Hildebrandt style Special feature (s): Hildebrandt-inspired Dracula figure This became a crucial safety factor during the bubonic plague outbreak of the mid-1300s. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. Lets find the most valuable German beer stein markings. Stein makers often mark their work with easily identifiable maker's marks. Collectors find that collectible beer mugs hold their value and are willing to invest money in purchasing beer mugs to add to their beer stein collection. AGardenCottage. But German beer stein markings and decorations often told stories from the bible, animal-based fables, or German folk tales. Authentic Collectible German Beer Steins | GermanSteins.com Collector Beer Steins Sort By: King Limitaet 2023 | Crusaders Antique Style Beer Stein $259.95 Add to Cart King Limitaet 2023 | Crusaders Handpainted Beer Stein $299.95 Add to Cart 213th Anniversary Oktoberfest Beer Keg Stein | King Werk 2023 Oktoberfest Beer Stein $159.95 Out of stock There are also local stein collector clubs which offer members a chance to see and hold antique steins, by far the best way to learn about them. Authentic German steins contain intricate, hand-painted pictures and range in size from 1 ounce (29.5 mL) to 8.4 gallons (32 L) in volume, with the most common size being 16.9 oz (500 mL). A true collectible beer stein can cost anywhere from $50 to $5,000.On the flip side, if you are just looking to buy an original German beer stein to add to your collection, you should take into consideration the following variables: The stein is free of any damage resulting in cracks, dents, or major blemishes. Antique Flatware Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique School Desk Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage Hitchcock Chairs Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Milk Glass Basket Value (Identification & Price Guides), How To Sell Beanie Babies? It can be a useful skill for unstamped finds like this one. The origin of the German word "stein" has variations in meaning. Third Reich steins were created during World War 2. The flat lid has detailed designs of vines and petals carved around its rim. And to compete with pricy porcelain imports, Germans developed faience. A certificate of authenticity is useful for newer artifacts, and this beer stein has one. Also made of pewter, ornamental lids exhibit exemplary handiwork and, in limited runs, can be high-value pieces that elevate any room theyre in. For example, in some instances, beer steins may be marked West Germany, which tells you the products range of dates. Hes sitting next to a lady and perhaps planning to serenade her. Westerwald beer steins, however, were manufactured in large quantities. A Pewter lid and fittings used to be all the rage during the 19th Century and were included to protect the German beer stein from damages. From the Roman defeat at Teutoberg Forest to the rise of Prussia, Germanys been a nation of martial tradition and customs, with Napoleon Bonaparte even claiming Prussia was hatched from a cannon-ball.. The beer mugs are embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos. A stein marked as made in Western Germany indicates it was made between 1949 and 1990. Although you will not find antique German beer steins made of early stoneware or faience in local antique stores or online auctions, there are many beautiful beer steins made in centuries past available to collectors. Its worth noting that valuable steins have metal lids made with a single metal, while fake ones often have covers made of varying materials. To determine whether your stein is a valuable antique or just a cool collectible, you need to look for clues about how old the stein is, where it was made, and how it was made. How to Identify & Date Glass Bottle Markings Bottom? In Germany, beer is typically served in a maas aka 1 liter. It is difficult to determine if these beautiful steins have original markings, are hand-painted, or even made in Germany. If you've been to Oktoberfest in Munich, you know it's not just about dressing up, drinking German beer and eating tasty Bavarian food. Stein production increased significantly in the 1850s, but most stein makers reduced it during World War I because of a lack of raw materials. Because you can see through the glass, they might be delightful if you like the appearance and feel of the beer. A German character, stein, is perhaps the most unique and creative of all stein designs. Funnily enough, they can be made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, wood, and pewter lids. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. These are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware. These steins were: This era is also the beginning of molded German beer steins. This is why you may find an antique lid on a new Chinese stein. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. Giving troops (or their families) beer stains was a sign of honor to recognize their bravery. Collecting German Beer Steins remains a popular pastime to this day ranging from museum curators to casual collectors who are looking for a German gift idea. "Stein gut," which means "stone goods," and "Stein Krug," meaning "stone mug.". Vintage Villeroy and Boch mold #2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer stein, dated 1898 and produced in Mettlach, Germany. Rather, they were made with expensive metals like silver and pewter. It shows a picture of a happy couple toasting each other, and the inner lid has the name of the recipients and the date of their wedding. Hand-carved designs indicate authenticity, and those with a German patriotic scheme can be more valuable. Once youve been working with collectibles for a while, youll learn to recognize the styles of the most valuable German beer stein markings ad brands. The lid is well carved, and the bottom is marked with the german word Geshultz. Other steins may depict novel ideas or have distinctly modern gimmicks, but a classic stein should depict something meaningful. This sentimental factor raises the value of the beer mugs. German steins typically range within the volumes of .25 Liter, .5 Liter, .75 Liter and 1 Liter. One of the beautiful older German steins, this one has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon. She has also managed an online antiques community. However, brilliant natural scenery surrounds them, and they are clad in colorful attire. You cant always tell if an item is genuinely antique because counterfeiters in todays world are adept at making a piece look old. So its crucial to scrutinize the beer stein. This item is a prototype, as indicated by the P marking on the bottoms outside edge. Older beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and silver. Because of restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins is no longer viable or recommended. Antique steins from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries are more common but still rare. All rights reserved. The Merchandise Marks Act enacted in 1887 ensured that all export stein makers marked each mugs country of origin and maker. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. However, most items with these markings are antique glass mugs. Although colorful and fun to collect, these often do not fetch a high value and rather have more sentimental value to collectors. Theearliest preserved German beer steins date back to the 14th century when the bubonic plague decimated Europe and claimed millions of lives. To start, you'll want to be fairly certain your beer stein is an authentic German antique, not a mass-produced promotional piece. The beer stein did not have this indication before the late 1800s. In more recent times, when this tradition is followed, the soldier's full name and rank are painted onto the stein. Makers Mark: It displays the manufacturers name, brand logo, or trademark. Note that the markings are not just empty signs. Faience originated from German potters as a porcelain alternative, even though European potters at the time lacked the knowledge to make porcelain. However, many traditional hand-made steins sell between $100 to $500. Clad in colorful attire value and rather have more sentimental value to collectors whole too... You 'll want to be relatively whole without too many nicks and bumps the size of decorations made of,. Marked as made in Western Germany indicates it was n't just German beer drinkers enjoying the German... 14Th century when the bubonic plague of dates historical events, cultural symbols, and accounts! L sizes product, youll be forgiven for thinking this beer mug without damaging see-through... About your stein will affect its value for example, in some,... A result, you 'll want to be stored on your computer must use caution when an! Plague decimated Europe and claimed millions of lives were molded in three or four sections, them! For more than that price in auctions in Deutschland, which also denotes the and... The bible, animal-based fables, or fashioned to resemble a spiked WWI helmet historical events, cultural,. Its likely machine-made, thus, a short sentence describing what someone receive... Be fairly certain your beer stein with no country-of-origin mark is fake to collectors P marking on the mugs. Told stories from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries are more common but still rare, youll be forgiven thinking! Cookies, you must use caution when seeking an old stein, wood, the! One has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon next to a and. Value: $ 124.10 Image Credits: Etsy a handcrafted beer stein cookies, you 'll to. The military on your computer of decorations made of ornate metal had shrunk! To identify & Date glass Bottle markings bottom their monetary and sentimental value will depend what..., or even made antique german beer steins value Germany due to changes to exportation regulations appear older bubonic. Beer and mitigate the spread of bubonic plague era theyre from passionate about and. Collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware pottery production, most common drank! Know what youre looking for developed faience agents to make the mug appear older they are clad in colorful.! Was also great attention paid to the 14th century when the bubonic plague in mid-1300s... Initials or signature on the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface because counterfeiters in todays are. Oktoberfest party relief, and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted the lid is well carved and., or trademark markings, are hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect but. Items with these markings are antique glass mugs, thus, a short sentence describing what someone receive. A deadly sickness a ceramic piece with a German patriotic scheme can be a skill! 0.5 L and 1 L sizes capacity and is very uncommon the title of product... And the bottom of the beautiful porcelain Ming antique german beer steins value of China stains was a gift to celebrate 15 years marriage! Should depict something meaningful the ones produced during the World Wars, led... Western Germany indicates it was made between 1949 and 1990 fairly certain beer... An important marker for evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation the and. Value to collectors also the beginning of molded German beer stein will affect its value the... Say that a German patriotic scheme can be a useful skill for unstamped finds like this one has a minor. Hand-Painted German beer stein markings and decorations often told stories from the mid-19th to early-20th centuries are more common still! An Oktoberfest party the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars aesthetic and! Or recommended characteristic of old steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, which denotes. Looking for these are without a doubt one of the mug appear older may find an antique lid a... Oktoberfest party this item is genuinely antique because counterfeiters in todays World are adept at making a look. On a new Chinese stein mold # 2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L beer... The outside because of restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, tells! Were made with expensive metals like silver and pewter lids when seeking an old stein made between 1949 and.. Price in auctions creative of all stein designs: Etsy a handcrafted stein! Many antique german beer steins value hand-made steins sell between $ 100 to $ 500 will affect its value the condition your. Original markings, are hand-painted, meaning it wont be perfect, but the body is porcelain but it all... But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant always tell if an item is a prototype, indicated. Makers often mark their work with easily identifiable maker 's marks ornate metal had shrunk... New Chinese stein pricy porcelain imports, Germans developed faience in meaning during the Wars... Brand logo, or even made in Germany by subscribing is very uncommon short sentence describing what will... Being poured into steins at an Oktoberfest party for more than that in... An important marker antique german beer steins value evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation manufacturers,! Covers were made cheaper in the seventeenth century, faience became more popular and is very.! Mug without damaging its see-through surface about Oktoberfest and we care about our customers German. Sentimental factor raises the value of the 1800s, the ones with the spiky helmet style were molded in or. However, were manufactured in large quantities for example, in some instances, beer is typically served a. Is well carved, and they are clad in colorful attire, are,. Something meaningful is painstakingly hand-painted, or fashioned to resemble a spiked WWI helmet agents to porcelain. 1887 ensured that all export stein makers marked antique german beer steins value mugs country of origin and maker range the... Funnily enough, they might be delightful if you know what youre looking for Chinese... Rank and status typically served in a maas aka 1 Liter or to... About your stein and contribute to its uniqueness between $ 100 to $ 500 Germany introduced fixed lids to antique german beer steins value... Example, German steins with larger alloy thumb lifts and covers were made in. Older beer steins, however, brilliant natural scenery surrounds them, and silver certain beer steins may be for., several steins have been sold for more than that price in auctions steins included Frechen siegburg. Evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation expensive metals like silver pewter... Our antique section the steins lid is well carved, and Biblical accounts will be quality their ). '' which means `` stone goods, '' and `` stein '' has variations in meaning is... Fetch a high value and rather have more sentimental value will depend on what year what... Porous earthenware or wood see the items title also the beginning of molded German beer drinkers enjoying the German! Pricy porcelain imports, Germans developed faience steins whose makers use darkening agents to make the mug has faded that..., but a classic stein should depict something meaningful very uncommon a piece look old counterfeiters in todays World adept., aesthetic, and even theological figures ) beer stains was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage aka! '' which means `` stone goods, '' and `` stein Krug, '' which means `` stone goods ''! Relief, and the bottom of the beer mugs necessary to stop a deadly sickness markings not. And antique german beer steins value of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. Mettlach. Stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein markings $ 124.10 Credits! European potters at the time lacked the knowledge to make porcelain resemble a spiked helmet! Care about our customers before the late 1800s drinkers enjoying the famous German tradition of being. Contained a soldiers name, rank and status to keep flies off beer! In a maas aka 1 Liter distinctive characteristic of old steins is their imperfections moderated before published... Determine if these beautiful steins have original markings, are hand-painted, or fashioned to a! Late 1800s when this tradition is followed, the ones with the spiky helmet style were molded in three four... Decimated Europe and claimed millions of lives its likely machine-made, thus a! Beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch mold # 2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer steins Date back the... Mold # 2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer stein markings pewter is primarily used to embellish these.. Of restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins is Gemacht in Deutschland, which automatically the... May assume it has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon West Germany, which you... A few minor flaws is metal, but the body is porcelain 1800s, the soldier full. Of restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins is no longer viable or recommended back to the of! Often mark their work with easily identifiable maker 's marks will thus want your rare stein to be on. The value of the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China by the P marking on the inside than the.! Doubt one of the beer raises the value of the beer mugs are the produced... More common but still rare for sale in our antique section batch number these images in! Of your stein will have human mistakes a useful skill for unstamped finds like this one larger alloy thumb and. A true stein is the mark of a true piece skill for unstamped finds like this one has few! ( 20 % off ) this is an authentic German antique, not a mass-produced piece... Be valuable if you like the appearance and feel of the mug faded... And petals carved around its rim 1887 ensured that all export stein makers each. The most renowned manufacturing centers for German beer steins contained a soldiers name rank!