Original German Pre-WWII Reichswehr 3rd Squadron 17th Bavarian Cavalry Bamberg Lidded Beer Stein by P. Pretti of Bamberg

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 high quality circular stein, unit-marked on the lid:

RR
17
3. Schwadron
2.4.28 - 30.9.36

This denotes service in the 3rd Squadron, 17th (Bavarian) Cavalry Regiment from April 2nd, 1928 to September 30th, 1936.

The 17th (Bavarian) Cavalry Regiment (colloquially known as the 17th Cavalry) in Bamberg was a cavalry unit of the Reichswer formed in 1919. Until 1927 it was subordinate to the 7th (Bavarian) Division, which in turn had certain autonomy rights vis-à-vis the Reich government until 1924. In addition to regional recruitment, its special role was also reflected externally in the cockades and coats of arms in the national colors on caps and steel helmets, as well as in pennants of the same color on lances, In 1934, the regiment was renamed the 17th Cavalry Regiment of the Wehrmacht. This was not disbanded when the cavalry divisions were disbanded in 1936, but was only used as planned when the Wehrmacht was mobilized on August 25, 1939 to set up reconnaissance units.

The stein depicts motifs of Bamberg, Hofhaltung, and Der Reiter im Dom. There is heavy crazing in the glade with good wear overall. The bottom of the stein is even marked with a maker’s stamp next to 2932 / 15. The underside of the lid has a maker’s mark, for P. Pretti of Bamberg. P. Pretti was a pewterer from Bamberg, Bavaria, known for making lids for brewery steins, and purchased bodies from Marzi & Remy.

The stein is stamped 0.5 L for half of a liter, and measures 5 1/2 inches tall and 3 3/8 inches wide. The stein really is quite lovely, and also in great shape, with lovely checking in the clear glaze.

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