The relatively expensive stoneware drinking cups with lids quickly attracted the attention of Renaissance artists, who added decorations to make them even more attractive. Dealers will sometimes tell you handmade beer steins are the only ones worth collecting. Although older high-value German steins are hand-painted, it can get confusing. They will tell you where and what year your stein was made. Dont be fooled, though. The majority of expensive steins feature original artwork and portraits on them. The German beer stein markings under the mug identify it as German, from lot number 444. The beauty of the German beer steins lies in the diversity of decorating styles. However, its not hard if you understand how to go about it. You may be excused for thinking this beer cup sings when you first see the items title! However, 0.5l and 0.2l mugs are also available. They werent made with polymer clay like they are nowadays. Read on to learn more about the history of German beer steins and the markings on the mugs you can use to identify their value. The most valuable German beer steins are discussed in this section. The beer stein did not have this indication before the late 1800s. The German stein was formally recognized as a European product in the 19th century. That also drives up prices. But that is not to say that a German beer stein with no country-of-origin mark is fake. The unique stein, which included handpainted goldcrests, attracted interest worldwide and sold for a high price. But there was also a lot of interest in the exquisite Chinese stein made in Germany. They would never again reach the same level of popularity or use. From books to websites, you can find plenty of resources from experts and avid collectors to help you identify a piece or start your own collection. Reinhold Hanke created the first molded steins in the Westerwald region. Most steins made by machines have a flawless finish. Prior to buying, differentiate genuine beer steins that are collectible by checking the quality, age, and manufacturer. A certificate of authenticity is useful for newer artifacts, and this beer stein has one. Combining all these factors will ensure that you own or buy the most authentic, excellent and rare stein possible. The base is chipped and the lid is loose. 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 They will never have nudity and tell stories of eras past. But, then, authentic German steins have patriotic scenes and Folk tales as popular designs for carved steins bodies. The lid is the most effective way of identifying a steins age, price and quality. They tell the story of Germanys history, being culturally enriching pieces for Germanophiles, drinkers and historians alike. Authentic German-branded beer steins come in many shapes and sizes. These pieces are perhaps the earliest kinds of beer stein still found on the market. Patriotic scenes Folk tales are a popular motif carved into the body of a stein. Popular brands are Zoller and Born, King Werks, Hofbrauhaus, E.H.G., Thewalt, Essence of Europe Gifts, and Rastal, to mention just a few. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. As a result, they mass-produced beer stein after adopting molds; thus, their exquisite, intricately carved relief work was no longer distinctive. It helps to know beer steins were intended as treasured collectibles. The first German beer steins date back to the 14th century after an outbreak of the bubonic plague and fly invasion in Europe. I would love to know more about this Stein. Not even a museum would want it. Model numbers may also be a part of calibration marks. But the bottom has no markings. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. The personalized stein can be made in the shape of any person, animal, structure, and set of items. Manufacturers had to engrave a Made in Germany due to changes to exportation regulations. Beer stein handles didn't get bumps on them until the 1920s, so the lack of a bump can help date your piece. Sort By: Loreley St. Goar Rhein River Beer Stein $119.95 Out of stock 75 Years VE-Day Anniversary Beer Stein | Tank Lid $169.95 Add to Cart The mug is 6 12 inches wide with the handle attached, 12 inches tall to the top of the lid, and contains one liter. What Do the Markings on the Bottom of Beer Steins Mean? Quick view. From the taverns and inns of the medieval era, the antique German beer stein has accompanied every Oktoberfest and drinking event in Germanys rich history, becoming a valuable collectors item. Marked c.1980 - Made in West Germany by Gerz. Unfortunately, counterfeiters often apply a darkening agent to artificially age it. Prices for antique German beer steins start at $95 and top out at $4,800 with the average selling for $395. Value of German Steins. It is a form or mold number rather than a date. They reflect the ancient artisans skill and imagination. Soon after, rings enclosed by glass or ceramic lids developed from ornamental pewter fittings came. Up until that time, most common folk drank beer from mugs made of porous earthenware or wood. Tell us below! The most expensive beer steins typically share the critical quality of rarity. Stein production increased significantly in the 1850s, but most stein makers reduced it during World War I because of a lack of raw materials. The German beer stein markings under this stein identify the piece as made in Germany and originating from lot 444. The older steins didnt have any bumps, instead of having straight handles that were easy to grip but didnt have grooves for the fingers. The first molded steins were made in the region of Westerwald by Reinhold Hanke. This is where to sell your beer steins!! Stein production continued after World War II. As a result, you will see the lines and evidence of hand painting defects. It features angels and a dancing couple. Antique Simon Peter Gerz I beer stein (10) $181.76 FREE shipping Vintage Gerz West Germany Stoneware Beer Stein Hand Painted Harvest Theme Art with Lid (203) $75.00 FREE shipping Vintage GERZ W. Germany Beer Steins (Set of 2) / Tavern Scenes Steins / Gift for Him (26) $58.28 FREE shipping Vintage Gerz German Beer Stein With Mini Stein - Set of 2 Steins also depict grandiose events and figures with modesty. That way, you can spot them at a glance, even without the logo label. Identifying valuable German beer steins is easy if you understand authentic markings and other identification parameters. On the other hand, Westerwald beer steins were mass-produced. You can search online databases such as Stein Marks to identify yours. Germans also created faience to compete with expensive porcelain imports. Germany introduced fixed lids to keep flies off their beer and mitigate the spread of bubonic plague in the mid-1300s. All purchases at OktoberfestHaus.com may be returned up to 30 days of purchase.*. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins Value: $124.10 Image Credits: Etsy A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. The first steins were simply mugs with a hinged lid that had an attached thumb lift. The lid is another crucial component in determining the worth of the stein. Hand-carved designs indicate authenticity, and those with a German patriotic scheme can be more valuable. But by the middle of the 1800s, the size of decorations made of ornate metal had gradually shrunk. "Stein gut," which means "stone goods," and "Stein Krug," meaning "stone mug.". A mugs lid contains a wealth of information regarding its worth. Marked on bottom "Original Gerzit - Gerz W. Germany". These military mugs are called Regimental Beer Steins. These dates make sense only when the other mug features are likewise consistent. They are readily accessible to visitors thanks to modern production techniques, particularly in Western Germany. T Scherger is my great grandfather that come to America in 1856 from Bavaria. Such a lid is usually of significant value. Beer Steins Worth Money: Time. "Stein" is a German word literally meaning stone but comes from the phrase, "Stein Krug" (stone mug). As already noted, if you are asking "what is my German beer stein worth," an antique German beer stein has the potential to be valued at a higher cost than a contemporary German beer stein. . If you are aren't sure.. That's ok we will take a look and let you know! As for determining the value of a stein, its advisable to seek help from a professional such as a seasoned collector. If it reads handarbeit, it is a handmade item that can have color overlaps. However, there was also great attention paid to the beautiful porcelain Ming mugs of China. Antique German beer stein values range from $50 to $5,000. Etched and painted GERMAN 2 LITER BEER STEIN. by Karl S Updated on June 11, 2022. The pewter lid's hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition. Additionally, its cost will probably increase because it is a handmade limited-edition item. Theearliest preserved German beer steins date back to the 14th century when the bubonic plague decimated Europe and claimed millions of lives. Steins with military ranks are precious too. A beer stein is a beer mug made in Germany that dates back to the 14th Century, accompanying developments in stoneware technology, German beer, and even the bubonic plague. 13 Most Valuable Brown Glass Clorox Bottles Worth A Fortune, Antique Diebold Safe [Models, Identification & Value Guide], 10 Best Places to Buy Antiques Online & Buyer Tips, Most Valuable Types of German Beer Steins Marking, Saxony German Pewter Beer Stein Tankard Hallmark Heavy, HR Hauber & Reuther 444 Antique German Beer Steins, Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins, Antique German Military Stein With Hand Painted Pictures, Antique Mettlach Steins Tannhuser in Venusberg 1898, Beer Stein with Pewter Lids Made in Germany, Identification and German Beer Stein Markings, 10 Most Valuable German Stamps: Complete Value Guide, 19 Most Valuable Beer Cans: Collection Value Guide. An old valuable German beer stein's cover comprises a soft silvery material. As with other antique items, the age of a stein beer mug is crucial in determining its value. Theyre often pressed into the clay before they dry or are stamped on. Below is a list of some of the marks and their meaning: A handmade beer stein will always have some design flaws. Its a colorful piece with soldiers on horses and lots of textual detail. Please note, however, by blocking cookies you will still be able to browse this website, but some of its features might not be available. Germany enforced laws that required all food and beverage containers to have lids to mitigate the situation. Manufacturers started putting bumps on stein handles in the 1920s. Chip and crack resistant, the new non-porous material was a perfect choice for holding beer. German Beer Steins along with Oktoberfest and all its accompanying Bavarian traditions play their part in a rich, storied history. Finding the period when your stein was made is important because older pieces will typically be more valuable. In Germany, beer is typically served in a maas aka 1 liter. You can feel the quality in your hand. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. For example, a low-quality stein made today won't go up in value very much. These flaws may have been frowned on at the time, but they add value today. German beer steins have been around for centuries. When man's best friend is turned into art, it can be valuable. Additionally, they display characteristics typical of their times, such as inlay stein lids, extraordinary ornamentation, glaze colors, and distinctive, attractive designs. Unfortunately, the onset of World War I spelled the end for the production of older German steins. Finally, the beer stein at the bottom attests to its handmade nature. It may include a poem instead of visual embellishments because of this. Add to cart. But German beer stein markings and decorations often told stories from the bible, animal-based fables, or German folk tales. Good examples can command several thousands of dollars on the antique market. 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). She gave it back to me after years she knew her antiques so Im guessing I got it back because it is worthless. You cant always tell if an item is genuinely antique because counterfeiters in todays world are adept at making a piece look old. It will depend on the mark left by manufacturers, the included lid, and the materials used, whether glass, wood or metal. A stein mugs nation of origin mark indicates how old it is. These may include: Now that we have the basics down, lets look at the most valuable German beer stein markings. The German manufacturer Hauber & Reuther produced the etched beer steins in the 1900s. They will usually sell for between $100 and $500. Hes sitting next to a lady and perhaps planning to serenade her. And theyre heavy too a couple of pounds if you weigh the mug and the tray together. 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. Beer steins can be made of ceramics, wood, glass, metal, or ivory. If they have grooves, they wont be worth much. All rights reserved. For example, when assessing the age of a stein, you could consider looking for the nation of origin. 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. Inlay lids:They are well recognized for having a pewter rim and flange around an ornamental stoneware, porcelain, glass, or wood figurine inlay in the center. That lead singer seems a little drunk though his buddies are all thats holding him up! They are made for the mantle as much as for your hand. What makes older German stein mugs more valuable is the materials used to make them. You can tell if a beer stein is good by looking at the state of the lid. The lower edge is scalloped. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We're talking about the big, lid-wearing beer steins seen at Oktoberfest celebrations. These are the kinds of stein lids to look out for on the market: Pewter lids are some of the most popular because they are easy to manufacture and engrave. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Antique German Beer Stein Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Butter Churns Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Mantel Clocks Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Perfume Bottles Value (Identificattion & Price Guides). An old valuable German beer steins cover comprises a soft silvery material. However, recognizing an authentic German beer stein is not easy, especially today with the numerous replicas available. (539) $125.00. The design on the lid should correspond with the design on the stein to show that the entire piece is intact. It makes the lid lighter on the inside than the outside. And because its a handmade limited edition piece, its price is likely to rise over time. Although at the time European potters did not know how to produce porcelain, German potters produced a substitute for porcelain, called faience. The mug was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage (aka the silver wedding anniversary). And in this one, a soldier is making out with a woman who resembles Snow White. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. The lid is well carved, and the bottom is marked with the german word Geshultz. Well-known manufacturer pieces can be more valuable. Soldiers riding horses and several literary features were depicted in its vibrant decoration. These are without a doubt one of the more unusual collectible beer steins.The Villeroy and Boch Co. of Mettlach manufactured this stoneware. Its set amid the pyramids, where a musician is trying to calm an angry alligator (or crocodile or dinosaur) with his violin. The process involves several factors, includi, Rare Books in German: Identification and Value Guide, Rare books in German are popular among both collectors of literature and history for their connections to the European continent during the trials and tribulations of the past. Each stein is roughly twiceas tall as it is wide. Its preowned and thus may have some imperfections. Add to Favorites Regimental Beer Steins of the Imperial German and Royal Bavarian Armies and the Imperial German Navy . Long after the threat of the black death dissipated, German steins continued to gain traction, becoming a major mass-produced European product in the 19th Century. Their rise and decline can be traced to centuries of strife, innovations in production, and even war. We list the stein for sale in our antique section. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. Ergonomic bumps and ridges are a relatively recent innovation. This stein is made in the style of the mid-1800s. This led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with a personalized beer stein. 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. Consequently, a steins value increases with age. Discover how to identify these pairs of dog figurines and what they're worth. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. This is why you may find an antique lid on a new Chinese stein. The laws, and others related to sanitary conditions, were in reaction to the fear that a recurrence of the bubonic plague, also called the Black Death, would be caused by several invasions of flies throughout Central Europe in the mid to late fifteenth century. You want to look at the beer stein lids condition, hand-made paintings or portraits on the mug, ridges on the handle, and the material used to make the German beer stein. 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? These steins were: This era is also the beginning of molded German beer steins. Manufacturers of these older steins used silver, glass, and ivory, materials that made the mug heavy. Its a ceramic object with cobalt blue sides and a pewter lid. Additionally, pewter is primarily used to embellish these steins. In essence, a beer stein is a large mug or tankard that holds beer. Assessing the Age of German Beer Steins Worth The value of a German beer stein often depends on its age. It also says Geschultz, which means copyright or trademark. These lids are the cheapest, most widely-available lids and are arguably the most iconic designs of any beer stein. And as a special decorative detail, the lid and thumb lift are both modeled after little dancers! The cup should have an antelope or deer inscribed because animal motifs were common. We can help!! However, many traditional hand-made steins sell between $100 to $500. Yes, you could drink out of them, but their main purpose was social and aesthetic. The fact that there is still a thriving stein collecting society shows that the value of German beer mugs has not diminished. 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