Original German Pre-WWII NSAD RAD Reichsarbeitsdienst National Labor Service Lidded Beer Stein with Shovel Hinge

Original Item: Only One Available. Perhaps no other collectible is so shrouded in myth, misinformation and mistaken identity as German regimental steins. These pieces have been steadily reproduced since the 1960s and most experts agree reproductions far outnumber authentic examples. Yet few buyers other than stein specialists know how to identify the fakes. We have examined this stein thoroughly, with reference to several websites such as RealorRepro and SteveonSteins, and this one has all of the correct aspects for being original.

The majority of authentic German regimental beer steins were produced between about 1890 and 1914. During this time, military service was compulsory in Germany. Most men would take basic training between 17 and 20 and then enter the reserves until age 40. A group of men would enter a unit together, stay in the same unit for training and be discharged as a unit. This sense of togetherness fostered the custom of buying souvenirs with the unit name, insignias and decorations as a keepsake of military service. Many souvenir items were available such as pipes, clocks, flasks and especially steins. Rosters of names from your unit, or regiment, could be added to the steins and these became known to collectors as "regimental steins."

Authentic ca. 1890-1914 steins were available in pottery, porcelain, glass and metal. Regardless of what the stein was made of, almost all had pewter lids. The most common sizes are half-liter and one-liter. The beginning of WW I effectively ended the production of regimental steins as labor and materials were diverted to the war. After the War Ended, the much reduced German armed forces now had ample resources to produce steins, and production was restarted.

During the build up to WWII, Steins once again gained popularity, though they were generally much more utilitarian than the ornate steins made prior to WWI. They were shorter, with much less ornate glaze, and did not have the level of fit and finish seen earlier. However they were just as cherished by the owners who purchased them to commemorate their service.

This is a very high quality original stein, made for a member of the Reichsarbeitsdienst, (“RAD” National Labor Service). The front of the stein is marked:-

1934/35
3 / 256
ZUR ERINNERUNG AN
MEINE ARBEITSDIENSTZEIT
IN
Seligenstadt

This translates as follows:-

1934/35
3 / 256
IN MEMORY OF
MY WORKING TIME
IN
Seligenstadt

Around this are depictions of men shaking hands and men pushing a cart of coal along a railway track. In the middle is a shovel with reflective silver-colored paint with 3/256 for his unit within the RAD/NSAD. 

The Reichsarbeitsdienst, (“RAD” National Labor Service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD, Anhalt Arbeitsdienst, (Anhalt Labor Service), and the FAD-B, Freiwilligen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern, (Volunteer Labor Service Bavaria). Shortly after AH’s appointment as Chancellor, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations into the NSAD, Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst, (National Socialist Labor Service), under the control of Reichsarbeitsführer Konstatin Hierl. On June 26th 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In April 1934 Hierl developed a uniform for all NSAD personnel which continued to be worn after the re-designation to RAD.

Because of this and the date of the stein, we believe this could pre-date the transition to RAD.

To the right is the name W. Kleinke, for the soldier the stein was made for. The stein is stamped 0.5L for half of a liter, and measures 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide. The stein really is quite lovely, and also in great shape, with lovely checking in the clear glaze and some heavy cracking in spots. The lid has a lovely shovel hinge and the top of the lid depicts a soldier of the RAD/NSAD, or perhaps a high ranking member.

A very nice Genuine German Beer Stein from the WWII Period. Ready to display!