As with other antique items, the age of a stein beer mug is crucial in determining its value. Phrases like "Gemacht in Deutschland" or "Made in Germany" are common. An Apostle stein, c. 1900, in the style of earlier Kreusen pieces. However, ivory often comes from at-risk animals, so you will need to check the legal status of your beer stein. Telling a story vis--vis hand-painted pictures on the German stein as an artistic medium can differentiate a stein's value from other comparable mugs. It was a ceramic material coated in a glaze of tin oxide to give it that white porcelain shine. Libraries and museum, Antique Metal Toy Trunks: Collecting Tips, Antique metal toy trunks are small but mighty childhood collectibles that can be used and displayed in many ways around your home. Auctioneer Ron Fox shared that he once sold a 17th century American tankard, a type of stein, for $140,000 dollars. Combining all these factors will ensure that you own or buy the most authentic, excellent and rare stein possible. It is a form or mold number rather than a date. A woman serving customers in a beer garden wears a pink dress on this mug. This is an important marker for evaluation because certain manufacturers have a global reputation. 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. However, you must own an authentic German beer stein to get the best value. Beer steins often cost between $50 and $5,000. This type of German beer stein marking has a P on the outside bottom surface, meaning it is a prototype piece. The soldiers name and rank were written on the regimental steins, making it easy to determine their precise date. One of the beautiful older German steins, this one has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon. Lets go over a few distinct features of each stein. They also used decadent materials like porcelain, glass, carved wood and even ivory. These valuable German beer steins have a rich history in Germany and Europe. 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. 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. Manufacturers of these older steins used silver, glass, and ivory, materials that made the mug heavy. An expert craftsman spent days and months creating this German beer stein, being a labor of love more than any pewter, porcelain or glass design. Their rise and decline can be traced to centuries of strife, innovations in production, and even war. The relatively expensive stoneware drinking cups with lids quickly attracted the attention of Renaissance artists, who added decorations to make them even more attractive. This is not always the case. Hope to buy from this seller again. It is preferred that the coloring of the original decorations be vibrant and reflect the original intended appearance. As a result, you must use caution when seeking an old stein. Funnily enough, they can be made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, wood, and pewter lids. Antique German beer steins are a thing of beauty. The majority of the costly metallic cover is from a single metal. Antique German beer stein values range from $50 to $5,000. Crafted from stoneware, these steins boasted intricate embellishments, typically adorned with a pewter lid. A stein marked as made in Western Germany indicates it was made between 1949 and 1990. Vintage Villeroy and Boch mold #2401 Tnnhauser in Venusberg 1L German beer stein, dated 1898 and produced in Mettlach, Germany. All comments are moderated before being published, A short sentence describing what someone will receive by subscribing. She has also managed an online antiques community. Other steins may depict novel ideas or have distinctly modern gimmicks, but a classic stein should depict something meaningful. Add to Favorites Original King Germany Beer Fest Stein 5 out of 5 stars (261) $ 45.00. Each stein is roughly twiceas tall as it is wide. For example, a 17th-century American tankard, which belonged to one family for generations, was sold for $140,000. The unique stein, which included handpainted goldcrests, attracted interest worldwide and sold for a high price. Look for early beer steins dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, before 1918, made in Germany. If they have grooves, they wont be worth much. This marking sets them apart from other steins. It can be a useful skill for unstamped finds like this one. A valuable German beer stein markings and other identifying characteristics are the primary means of identification. Now, people the world over are well aware of steins and want in on the action. (that's pre world war II in stein world) German beer steins in undamaged condition. Sheaves of wheat are used as decorations on the beer mugs, while triple-hare logos are used on the lids. A beer steins value will depend on the factors previously mentioned. Take beer steins, for example. There is still a vibrant community of stein collectors around the world, highlighting that the value of the German beer mugs has not become obsolete. To start with assessing the value of a beer stein, many collectible beer steins will have the date of the stein printed on the metal lid or stamped on the bottom of the ceramic beer mug. In more recent times, when this tradition is followed, the soldier's full name and rank are painted onto the stein. On the contrary, collectors are eager to spend money to add German Steins to their collections because they believe collectible beer mugs will keep their value. You will need to check the side or base of the beer stein for these markings. Todays counterfeiters are good at faking the age of a piece, so you cant always tell if its genuinely old. The lid is inlaid and the bottom of the mug has faded etchings that identify the manufacturer and batch number. Tannhuser walks toward her bed, carrying a lyre and a sword on his hip with a feathered cap hanging from his back. This is another valuable German stein for those who collect steins. For example, when assessing the age of a stein, you could consider looking for the nation of origin. It's a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. German beer cups have been cylindrical since the 1700s. The mark was introduced after the amendment of exportation rules in the late 1800s. They are known as regimental Beer Steins in the military. Reinhold Merkelbach Stein Catalog The firm of Reinhold Merkelbachbegan producing beer steins and related wares in 1882 in the Westerwald town of Hhr, and is perhaps best remembered today for its contributions to the region's Jugenstil(Art Nouveau) period beginning in the early 20th century. Valuable German beer stein markings can tell you what year your steins were made in, their country of origin, and their monetary value. You can sometimes guesstimate the tie period of a beer stein by looking at the images. They also tell a unique story. Faience gained mileage in the 17th century. If your piece has many or all of these conditions, it will be more valuable. The stamp under the beer stein confirms its hand-made (handgemalt). At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. In terms of the artwork, only angels who have strategically covered their naughty bits are frequently depicted in nudist poses. But how do you know German beer steins value? So, a beer stein with a paler inner surface and a working hinge on the lid is highly valuable. These are not to be confused with their production dates or the dates they were given as gifts. Prices for antique German beer steins start at $95 and top out at $4,800 with the average selling for $395. 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 Well-known manufacturer pieces can be more valuable. The broader price range for Antique German steins ranges from $50-$5,000. Venus is seen on her daybed in the stein, being fanned by her servant and surrounded by flying cherubs. T Scherger is my great grandfather that come to America in 1856 from Bavaria. We try to put that feeling into every package we ship. You should keep an eye out for a few things while purchasing beer. Quick view. The beer stein doesnt have any makers marks. To make fake steins appear older, darkening substances. The most renowned manufacturing centers for German beer steins included Frechen, Siegburg, Kreussen, and Cologne. However, you wont discover the intricate embellishments in handmade German beer steins. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. They are less valuable and unique because they were created using molds. Thats why you can find different markings on an antique stein. "Stein gut," which means "stone goods," and "Stein Krug," meaning "stone mug.". German beer steins have been around for centuries. These flaws may have been frowned on at the time, but they add value today. Older beer mugs, however, might not have such a marking. 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. The set comes as a pair and each mug sits on a pewter drip tray its own customized coaster. Here is a step-by-step guide to identifying German beer steins markings: Authentic old German beer steins have a country-of-origin mark at the bottom. This beer stein is unique because its a one-time mug in a subtle shade of beige. Crystal German Beer Stein with Hinged Lids. The steins worth was reasonable despite its loose top and cracked base. Alpine Couple Mini German Schnapps Beer Stein | 0.06 Liter $44.95 Out of stock Hofbrauhaus HB Giant 5 Liter Salt Glaze Stoneware Beer Mug $249.95 Add to Cart SALE Giant Soccer Ball Beer Glass 3 Liter $139.95 $119.95 Choose Options Lord of Crystal German Knight Beer Stein Amber $279.95 Add to Cart Well, read on to discover more. 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. Our team works hard to ensure your Oktoberfest Haus experience is wunderbar! Johann Friedrich Bottger, a German potter who worked in the Meissen workshop in the early 18th century, secretly created various hard-paste porcelain products, including steins. Older steins just carried the soldiers last name, while more recent ones included their first name and rank. 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. That also drives up prices. They are readily accessible to visitors thanks to modern production techniques, particularly in Western Germany. The P marking on the outer bottom means this is piece is a prototype. So, if you come across a mug that doesnt have a nation of origin label, it can be worth more than you think. If they have grooves, they won't be worth much. The German Beer Stein is a mug designed for drinking beer. But beer steins add a sentimental flavor to your tipple. Sometimes you will come across a mug with a Gemacht in Deutschland mark. When a beer stein is handmade, it will have human errors. In addition to imprinting their country of origin, they also have their manufacturing details that can be found on official databases. Germany enforced laws that required all food and beverage containers to have lids to mitigate the situation. She gave it back to me after years she knew her antiques so Im guessing I got it back because it is worthless. The steins lid is metal, but the body is porcelain. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. If you're looking for a specific maker, something like. Still, even these machine-made mugs can be worth something if they have the privilege or provenance. They might have coloring outside the lines or weird paint flecks. The most typical were stoneware items with a stein lid that was always rigidly fixed. Top makers include Capo-di-Monte, Mettlach, and Royal Vienna. Lets go through the periods where steins were present. Besides porcelain, several other materials were used in the making of beer steins during this time period. Theres no doubt production of beer steins has evolved over the years. By World War I, the beer stein industry took a downturn. When it sells we send you shipping information. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The manufacturer and batch number are inscribed in faded etchings on the bottom of the mug, which also has inlaid stein lids. 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. A musician uses his violin to appease an irate alligator in this scene, which is set amidst the pyramids. Fortunately, production resumed after 1918, although most people had stopped using the mug. Crystal beer steins look elegant and delicate. Munich Oktoberfest beer steins are an annual collectible. The name stein comes from the German word stein Krug, which translates to stone mug. A beer stein can be made of various materials, including crystals, glass, wood, and ceramics. Artists are hand-painting the newer steins making it hard to tell the difference. The precise information about the particular piece can make a difference of thousands of dollars. The best beer steins have easily-recognizable markings on the bottom. The following is just a sampling of some of the styles that are popular among those who collect beer steins. Dealers will sometimes tell you handmade beer steins are the only ones worth collecting. They were designed between 1880 and 1910. This is one of the most critical elements for evaluating the value of a stein. Although older high-value German steins are hand-painted, it can get confusing. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. Here are some methods for spotting a pricey beer stein. How to Identify & Date Glass Bottle Markings Bottom? Although it develops some yellow with age, its an attractive mug. They tell a story with scenes featuring: In addition to the above features, old German beer steins feature uneven handle surfaces. It will depend on the mark left by manufacturers, the included lid, and the materials used, whether glass, wood or metal. The handles of more recent steins, however, feature ridges. Most of the steins made in Germany are fabricated using the following materials: earthenware, ceramics, silver, crystal, glass, porcelain, pewter, creamware, and wood. And although stein production increased rapidly in the 1850s, World War I caused tremendous limitations in accessing the raw materials used to make the mugs. They will tell you where and what year your stein was made. In the 20th century, Rein Zinn produced beer steins from metal, ceramic, wood, stone, or ivory steins. And again, these illustrations are full of meaning. It usually depicts great heroes, historical events, cultural symbols, and even theological figures. A German stein is the pride of its manufacturer. Its a colorful piece with soldiers on horses and lots of textual detail. Good examples can command several thousands of dollars on the antique market. What makes older German stein mugs more valuable is the materials used to make them. 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