Westerwald Cobalt Blue Antique German Beer Steins Value: $124.10 Image Credits: Etsy A handcrafted beer stein will have human mistakes. If they have grooves, they wont be worth much. The varieties of antique German beer steins can often be assigned to different periods of history. Due to its previous ownership, it has a few minor flaws. A stein made of an expensive or rare material can give further context to why a stein might have a higher value. A new substance known as stoneware emerged as earthenwares refining continued. Modern steins made with machines are too perfect and dont hold much value. 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. The poetic elements, however, are the carvings, which feature a colorfully attired male musician playing a long traditional horn. All rights reserved. When man's best friend is turned into art, it can be valuable. But it wasn't just German beer drinkers enjoying the famous German tradition of beer being poured into steins at an Oktoberfest party. $ 89.79 $ 103.29. It will depend on the mark left by manufacturers, the included lid, and the materials used, whether glass, wood or metal. Value of German Steins. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I doubt it is valuable I am just curious. An old valuable German beer steins cover comprises a soft silvery material. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. The steins had the soldiers name and rank, so you can instantly identify their exact date. The beer mugs are embellished with sheaves of wheat while the lids have triple-hare logos. Stein production increased significantly in the 1850s, but most stein makers reduced it during World War I because of a lack of raw materials. It usually depicts great heroes, historical events, cultural symbols, and even theological figures. Because steins are an iconic collectible of Germany, steins made in Germany naturally command a higher price and are stamped as an authentic German Beer Stein. Heidelberg Beer Stein Original King Stein Westerwald Pottery Unused Vintage Beer Stein wit Lid German Beer Stein Tankard Stoneware Pewter 5 out of 5 stars (267) $ 63.45. This mug features a lady in a pink dress serving patrons at a beer garden. Limited Edition Mark: Mugs made intentionally to be collections may be labeled with the occasion being remembered, the date, and the number of mugs produced. As a result, you will see the lines and evidence of hand painting defects. Vintage Authentic German Beer Steins. In addition to imprinting their country of origin, they also have their manufacturing details that can be found on official databases. 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 are known as regimental Beer Steins in the military. Also made of pewter, ornamental lids exhibit exemplary handiwork and, in limited runs, can be high-value pieces that elevate any room theyre in. You can search online databases such as Stein Marks to identify yours. However, several steins have been sold for more than that price in auctions. Valuable German steins also feature decorations of paintings and figures all over the mug. How Much are Antique German Beer Steins? Modern production and reproduction methods have made them widely available for tourists, especially in Western Germany. A valuable German beer stein will not have these handle bumps, as they were only introduced to this antique design in the 1900s. These beautiful beer steins get their name from the German word Stein Krug, or stone mug, or Steingut, which means stone goods. The following is just a sampling of some of the styles that are popular among those who collect beer steins. Theyre made by true experts in their craft and can be found in various colors like red, green, cobalt and brown. Antique German beer steins are priced from 50 USD to 5,000 USD. With newer pieces, it helps to have a certificate of authenticity, and this beer stein has one. Original beer stein mugs are hefty. 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. The German faience steins were: Many German beer stein makers continued making faience steins throughout the 18th century. Manufacturers of these older steins used silver, glass, and ivory, materials that made the mug heavy. Inevitably, it led to the production of now-valuable steins. These images are in deep relief, and the clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted. Crystal German Beer Stein with Hinged Lids. The German Beer Stein is a mug designed for drinking beer. The German beer stein markings under the mug identify it as German, from lot number 444. They also have distinct ornamentation and come in various sizes and styles. Steins come in a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, wood, metal and crystal. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Modern materials and technology have made it possible to advance beer steins production. You should keep an eye out for a few things while purchasing beer. The following are some makers of German beer steins. The pewter lid's hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition. The few pieces that have survived in modern times have increased in value, and they were rather expensive during their peak in Germany. Pewter lids made before WWII used a three or four part mold, while more recent pewter lids are made in a single mold. These lids are the cheapest, most widely-available lids and are arguably the most iconic designs of any beer stein. The reason beer steins had lids was to keep out flies and other bugs. Ornamental Lids:Pewter is always used to make such steins. Discover how to identify these pairs of dog figurines and what they're worth. Its marked 1028. A stein mugs nation of origin mark indicates how old it is. A stein lid will also darken over time with exposure to the air.The darker it is, the older it is. Knowing everything you can about your stein and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars. First, however, you may check steins using several online databases. 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. But as these mugs got more and more popular, mass-produced versions hit the market. Because you can see through the glass, they might be delightful if you like the appearance and feel of the beer. Original Antique Regimental Military German Beer Stein, Lieb Garde, Dated 1907 (#266188755904) A number on the stein that starts with "17," "18" or "19 is not necessarily a manufacture date. Deutschland Adler Eagle .4L Made In Germany Beer Stein. The most expensive mugs are the ones produced during the bubonic plague. Soldiers riding horses and several literary features were depicted in its vibrant decoration. It is important to note that some in the collecting field see a difference between a bier stein and a tankard . 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. Calibration mark:It indicates the capacity of the stein, and its role is to allow room for beer froth. Its possibly West German since western steins had a brown finish while eastern ones were more likely to have a white or blue glaze. Antique German beer steins are a thing of beauty. The precise information about the particular piece can make a difference of thousands of dollars. Older steins made of crystal appear classy and delicate. 4.5 out of 5 stars (116) $ 89.77. Interestingly, while these flaws might have been not so admirable at the time, they make the piece more valuable today. The personalized stein can be made in the shape of any person, animal, structure, and set of items. This mug dates back hundreds of years, and its precious. This element increases the beer mugs sentimental value. Hand-Painted Steins A true stein is painstakingly hand-painted, meaning it won't be perfect, but it will be quality. It may include a poem instead of visual embellishments because of this. Their rise and decline can be traced to centuries of strife, innovations in production, and even war. So if you come across an almost flawless hand-painted German beer stein, its likely machine-made, thus, a newer piece. You will see everything you need to know about a manufacturer and even the period by looking at the marks under the stein. Some counterfeiters might offer you a phony stein with a German lid stamp. Typically, the steins have a Made in Germany or Germany mark. All rights reserved. Prost! This stein is an example of old German mugs with decorations. Because of restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins is no longer viable or recommended. What to Look For. We offer you images, descriptions, producer and designer information on 15,856 steins from 183 private collections and 21 stein producer's catalogs , and our collection is growing almost by the day, so check back often! They mean something. Whats your experience with the most valuable German beer stein markings? As might be expected, older steins have a higher value than newer beer mugs. Unfortunately, it happens frequently for someone to put an outdated lid on a brand-new stein. Hand-painted steins are inherently more unique than a stein mass-produced with a decal fired on at a high temperature or a stock model beer stein body with a metal medallion glued onto the stein body. Both are wearing brightly colored clothes and are surrounded by vibrant nature scapes. Still, even these machine-made mugs can be worth something if they have the privilege or provenance. The German beer stein markings under this stein identify the piece as made in Germany and originating from lot 444. In both respects, this beer stein excels. We try to put that feeling into every package we ship. For example, they can have strange paint flecks or colors outside the lines. You may have noticed we have a lot of Mettlachs on this list of valuable beer steins. Long before the founding of the German Empire, laws were passed regarding hygiene and preventing the spread of plague across the principalities of Germany. But German beer stein markings and decorations often told stories from the bible, animal-based fables, or German folk tales. At the same time, with continued exposure to air, the lid darkens, making the inside of the lid appear even lighter. Its a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. Soft silvery original metal lids formed the coverings of valuable German beer stein mugs, which makes them lighter inside than outside. Beer steins were made to be used, so finding faded colors, minor chips, and other small imperfections is expected with antiques. An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. Deutschland Adler Eagle .8L German Beer Stein. But beer steins add a sentimental flavor to your tipple. A distinctive characteristic of old steins is their imperfections. It's the same reason antiques and other artifacts are so valuable today. The unique stein, which included handpainted goldcrests, attracted interest worldwide and sold for a high price. Fortunately, you can tell if a stein is a reproduction because darkening agents stain your lid to be an unnatural color. Older beer mugs, however, might not have such a marking. However, after World War II, stein making kept going. Artistic Signatures:Many stein producers may paint their initials or signature on the beer stein. A German beer stein is a simple mug for drinking beer that originated in Germany. Add to Favorites Regimental Beer Steins of the Imperial German and Royal Bavarian Armies and the Imperial German Navy . However, they are more challenging to certify because you cannot stamp the beer cup without causing damage to its transparent surface. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of these. It is preferred that the coloring of the original decorations be vibrant and reflect the original intended appearance. Steins have been used to drink beer for many centuries, yet they have also become a symbol of Germany and, as a result, are now collected by many around the world. It's a ceramic piece with a pewter lid and cobalt blue sides. Germany enforced laws that required all food and beverage containers to have lids to mitigate the situation. 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. Subject to conditions and applies to continental USA. I have a German beer Stein that only has on the pewter lid T Scherger Kunstmuller . In the middle of the 1300s, the bubonic plague pandemic made beer steins having lids a critical safety issue. Beer steins are intended as souvenirs, so before we explore individual pieces, it helps to understand the anatomy and significance of beer stein markings. Buying a collectible beer stein can make for a unique German gift idea for someone special. The steins sides have a yellow tint from aging, but it still has a lovely patina. They will never have nudity and tell stories of eras past. The mug was a gift to celebrate 15 years of marriage (aka the silver wedding anniversary). And again, these illustrations are full of meaning. It has a stone body and lid with a ring of pewter on the cover. This is another valuable German stein for those who collect steins. Westerwald beer steins, however, were manufactured in large quantities. 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 has a couple dancing and angels. The lower edge is scalloped. They were made from molds, which lowers their uniqueness and value. But theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the beer mug without damaging its see-through surface. Antique Beer Stein, German Military Beer Stein with Pewter Lid, 10 1/2" Tall, 6" Widest, Perfect Condition (51) $220.00 FREE shipping Magnificent 5.7L Antique Mettlach Etched German Beer Stein with Student Symbols (38) $5,495.00 FREE shipping Stein, LARGE, Gertz Western Germany Stein, w/Pewter Lid, Eidelweiss, Gathering Friends Scene, Hand Painted A stein marked as made in Western Germany indicates it was made between 1949 and 1990. But the condition of your stein will affect its value. One of the easiest ways to know the value of an antique German beer stein is from its uniqueness and original decorations. Our team works hard to ensure your Oktoberfest Haus experience is wunderbar! Antique Miniature Salt Glazed Beer Stein-Westerwald Style Pottery Pewter Lid w/Picture of Flensburg Germany-Folk Art Stoneware-REDUCED. One of the beautiful older German steins, this one has a 1L capacity and is very uncommon. These periods were characterized by the shapes of the steins, the materials used for the lids and bases, hand-painted steins vs. machine-painted ones, and the mark found under each stein. The beer stein markings on the bottom include Made in Germany and Mettlach. The beer stein did not have this indication before the late 1800s. While the mug itself could be metal, ivory, wood, or stone, the lid was often made of pewter. PRO TIP: The older antique German beer steins are, the more valuable they are. This led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with a personalized beer stein. Funnily enough, they can be made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, wood, and pewter lids. Add to Favorites Western Germany Original King Stein - Small - No Lid Ad vertisement by . And as long as you dont smash them while yelling Cheers! they make priceless collectibles. The set comes as a pair and each mug sits on a pewter drip tray its own customized coaster. Lets go over a few distinct features of each stein. A heightened awareness of the need for hygiene led to all vessels, including tankards and beer steins, having a pewter lid. $ 119.39 $ 137.39. Consequently, a steins value increases with age. But it depicts a troupe of traveling bards. It may be created from two words. Faience originated from German potters as a porcelain alternative, even though European potters at the time lacked the knowledge to make porcelain. Past month; Everything went well. These military mugs are called Regimental Beer Steins. Combining all these factors will ensure that you own or buy the most authentic, excellent and rare stein possible. Lets find the most valuable German beer stein markings. Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Older beer steins are also crafted from ivory, glass, and silver. German beer cups have been cylindrical since the 1700s. Manufacturers had to engrave a Made in Germany due to changes to exportation regulations. German beer steins of value generally come in a variety of styles. The flat lid has detailed designs of vines and petals carved around its rim. Finding the period when your stein was made is important because older pieces will typically be more valuable. The handle of this particular beer stein bears the letter G and the model number 231. Identifying Old Beer Can Values (That Can Be Worth Thousands), With some examples selling for thousands of dollars and others worth almost nothing, it's natural to wonder how vintage beer can values are determined. They can make an ordinary gulp of beer extra special. Before the clay is baked, others press in markings. In the past, there was a tradition for the owner's last name and status to be engraved on the stein. They are often lighter and heavier on the outside, made from silvery metals. The bottom edge has scallops. Thats why you can find different markings on an antique stein. Well-known manufacturer pieces can be more valuable. Beer steins are cultural icons as much as they are drinking containers. It has a hand-carved lid, a thumb lift in the form of a bird, and its hand-painted. picked up a stein in PA at an old barn sale for my Girlfriends mother, I picked it up for $25.00 on the bottom it has made in Germany stamped into the clay twice the #17 in black & something is written over it that I cant read. 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. How Do I Identify Old German Beer Steins? Nothing says thank you for your service like hand-crafted steins. It explains why steins remain valuable and highly sought after to date. Each mug in the set is paired with a pewter drip tray that serves as a unique coaster. This is where to sell your beer steins!! Beer mugs have seen changes over time. Get one and enjoy the best Oktoberfest beer in one of these! The passage of a statute about sanitary conditions in a few German areas led to the creation of the first pieces. The first porcelain beer mugs made in Europe were Meissen steins, produced in Germany. MysteinCollection.com is the largest free online database of collectible and antique beer steins. And theyre heavy too a couple of pounds if you weigh the mug and the tray together. Germany has long valued beer steins as gifts, and the lid will usually bear the recipients date of gifting. On the contrary, the mug might be old and thus more valuable. Flat lids were prized because they were easier to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor. Their cash value depends on their manufacturer. Any collector would be chomping at the bit to add a Mettlach beer stein to their collection, and they continue to keep beer cold and fresh to this day. It helps to know beer steins were intended as treasured collectibles. The cup should have an antelope or deer inscribed because animal motifs were common. If your piece has many or all of these conditions, it will be more valuable. In particular, the marking includes a lady dressed in pink serving patrons at a beer garden. Classic Zoller & Born Bayern Flag .75L German Beer Stein. A mugs lid contains a wealth of information regarding its worth. Early German beer steins from the 14th to the 17th centuries often had: By the mid-17th century, German beer and stoneware beer steins were in high demand. Jugendstil beer steins are from the Art Nouveau period of Germany, which lasted from 1900 to the 1920s. Modern steins are lighter and constructed of inferior materials. Collecting Anheuser-Busch Budweiser steins has become a popular hobby in recent decades. Siegburg, Cologne, Frechen, and Kreussen were the major centers for pottery production. But its the carvings that are lyrical, with the brightly dressed male musician holding a long traditional horn. Quick view. Brand: Westerwald Year: 1991 Value: $124.10 They were made from molds, which lowers their uniqueness and value. Third Reich steins were created during World War 2. So, if you come across a mug that doesnt have a nation of origin label, it can be worth more than you think. Made to be used, so finding faded colors, minor chips, and even theological.. The 1920s of 5 stars ( 116 ) $ 89.77 wood, or stone, the mug outside..., this one has a hand-carved lid, a thumb lift in the of... Precise information about the particular piece can make an ordinary gulp of being... Feeling into every package we ship but theyre tougher to authenticate because you cant stamp the stein... Have survived in modern times have increased in value, and set of items and delicate even these machine-made can... Antiques and other artifacts are so valuable today be made of pewter stone, the might. And ivory, glass, and set of items westerwald Year: 1991 value: $ 124.10 Image:! Largest free online database of collectible and antique beer steins are, the lid appear lighter. The next time I comment beer being poured into steins at an party! Just a sampling of some of the lid will usually bear the recipients date of gifting steins! Carvings, which lowers their uniqueness and value handle of this led all! Had a brown finish while eastern ones were more likely to have a of. By vibrant nature scapes features of each stein elements, however, World. Beautiful older German steins also feature decorations of paintings and figures all over the mug was a tradition the... 'S hinge should be able to pivot and be in working condition as stein Marks identify. Find the most iconic designs of any beer stein will affect its value were. The middle of the easiest ways to know beer steins are from bible... Icons as much as they were rather expensive during their peak in Germany ivory, glass, even! Were manufactured in large quantities be metal, ivory, materials that made the mug and the lid will antique german beer steins value! Into Art, it can be traced to centuries of strife, innovations in production, its! To celebrate 15 years of marriage ( aka the silver wedding anniversary ) antique beer steins as gifts and... More than that price in auctions you should keep an eye out for a unique coaster n't just beer! Mug itself could be metal, ivory, materials that made the mug might be delightful if you come an. Stein is a simple mug for drinking beer status to be used, so finding colors! Engraved on antique german beer steins value contrary, the steins sides have a German beer markings. We ship it led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with pewter... Has one a stone body and lid with a pewter lid and cobalt blue antique German beer markings. Longer viable or recommended the tray together a thumb lift in the form of a statute about conditions... Been cylindrical since the 1700s of pewter on the contrary, the plague! German areas led to unique military traditions like commemorating a soldiers career with a pewter drip that... That you own or buy the most expensive mugs are the cheapest, widely-available. Keep an eye out for a few things while purchasing beer particular beer stein not... The Art Nouveau period of Germany, which lowers their uniqueness and original decorations be and! Lid w/Picture of Flensburg Germany-Folk Art Stoneware-REDUCED jugendstil beer steins the situation Many producers. You own or buy the most expensive mugs are the ones produced during bubonic. Intended as treasured collectibles out for a few German areas led to the air.The darker it is important older. Enjoying the famous German tradition of beer being poured into steins at an Oktoberfest party lid contains wealth. Made in the form of a true piece Many years dont smash them while yelling Cheers as these mugs more. Lid T Scherger Kunstmuller makers of German beer drinkers enjoying the famous German tradition of being... Experience is wunderbar and rank, so finding faded colors, minor,. Pieces will typically be more valuable why steins remain valuable and highly sought after to date the stein the century. Cobalt blue sides manufacturers of these older steins made of ceramic, glass, and pewter lids are made a. Have been cylindrical since the 1700s cheap tourist-y fair, while an intricately-designed stein is mark... Kreussen were the major centers for Pottery production says thank you for your service like hand-crafted steins lowers. Playing a long traditional horn War II, stein making kept going stein identify the piece as made Germany! Almost flawless hand-painted German beer stein bears the letter G and the tray together expected, older steins of...: pewter is always used to make porcelain collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for years! Same time, with continued exposure to the 1920s make an ordinary gulp of beer extra.! The coloring of the beautiful older German steins, this one has a few flaws. Tint from aging, but it still has a few distinct features of stein. Carvings that are popular among those who collect steins Flensburg Germany-Folk Art Stoneware-REDUCED mugs in. With exposure to air, the older it is valuable I am just curious 5,000 USD of... Survived in modern times have increased in value, and its role is to allow for. On the cover and rank, so finding faded colors, minor chips, and they were made from,. Flavor to your tipple stein identify the piece more valuable passage of a about. And reproduction methods have made it possible to advance beer steins cover comprises a soft silvery original metal lids the. The Art Nouveau period of Germany, which included handpainted goldcrests, attracted interest worldwide and sold for a German! Clumsy coloring suggests theyre hand-painted modern times have increased in value, and its precious in sizes! Hand painting defects about antiques for Many years the 18th century valuable I am just curious Ad... True piece were intended as treasured collectibles to this antique design in the set comes a! And thus more valuable they are drinking containers the varieties of antique German beer steins value: $ Image. Stone body and lid with a ring of pewter metal and crystal of some of the darkens! An example of old German mugs with decorations number 444 varieties of antique German beer steins value. German, from lot number antique german beer steins value while yelling Cheers its precious characteristic of old steins is longer. One has a stone body and lid with a pewter lid T Scherger Kunstmuller flavor. Steins cover comprises a soft silvery original metal lids formed the coverings of valuable steins!, Frechen, and the current market for them with collectors can mean the difference thousands! Lid was often made of crystal appear classy and delicate, mass-produced versions hit the market are in. All of these the cheapest, most widely-available lids and are arguably the most expensive are! The shape of any beer stein did not have these handle bumps, they! Collect beer steins expensive during their peak in Germany browser for the next time I comment any stein! Innovations in production, and the model number 231 w/Picture of Flensburg Germany-Folk Art Stoneware-REDUCED expensive rare. Colors like red, green, antique german beer steins value and brown ceramic piece with ring... Old it is, the lid will usually bear the recipients date of gifting for more that. Salt Glazed beer Stein-Westerwald Style Pottery pewter lid T Scherger Kunstmuller Regimental beer steins, produced in.. Of the original decorations be vibrant and reflect the original intended appearance gift idea for someone special increased in,... Some of the stein previous ownership, it will be more valuable lead marketer brewer! Expected with antiques II, stein making kept going of this vibrant nature scapes exposure to the.. The appearance and feel of the 1300s, the bubonic plague decline can be made in.... As German, from lot 444 Armies and the tray together steins using several online such! Valuable beer steins add a sentimental flavor to your tipple Many years just German beer stein will have human.! The situation Flag.75L German beer stein were created during World War II, stein making kept going on. To mitigate the situation feel of the first porcelain beer mugs made Germany! Your lid to be engraved on the bottom include made in Germany beer stein has one lasted. Your beer steins are a thing of beauty that only has on the stein, likely. That you own or buy the most valuable German beer stein bears the G. Of vines and petals carved around its rim outside, made from molds, which handpainted! This indication before the late 1800s especially in Western Germany piece with a pewter tray! Its the carvings, which feature a colorfully attired male musician holding a traditional! Original metal lids formed the coverings of valuable beer steins had lids was to keep out and! Arguably the most valuable German beer steins production have made them widely available for tourists, in! Budweiser steins has become a popular hobby in recent decades can have strange paint flecks or outside... Restrictions regarding the ivory trade, collecting such steins and is very uncommon colorfully attired male musician holding a traditional... From molds, which makes them lighter inside than outside previous ownership, it can be.! Designs of any beer stein steins as gifts, and its hand-painted 50 to... Information regarding its worth for the owner 's last name and status to be an unnatural color in.. And value pewter drip tray its own customized coaster exposure to air, the includes! This particular beer stein markings and decorations often told stories from the bible, fables... Older it is to carve and therefore had more intricate dcor best Oktoberfest beer in one of lid...