Original German Pre WWII Unit Marked Infantry Regiment Plauen 1934 - 1935 1/2L Beer Stein - Ceramic with Pewter Lid

Original Item: One of a Kind. 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."

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 totally genuine WWII Third Reich era produced ceramic 1/2L beer stein with a hinged pewter lid. This is a souvenir that would have been purchased by an individual who was an Infantry soldier during the 1930s pre WWII Era. The stein features al lovely painted oak leaf wreath on the front, with a larger Reichsadler Eagle at the top, over the following inscription:

Zur Erinnerung
an die Dienstzeit
b.d. 16. Komp J.R. Plauen
1934 - 1935

This translates to:

In memory of the service time with the 16th Company, Infantry Regiment Plauen, 1934-1935

During this period in time, the Army was still very much in the formations it had been during the Weimar period, as the Wehrmacht would not officially be formed until March of 1935. Even after that units were being reformed and renamed throughout the 1930s. We have looked, but unfortunately not been able to locate any information on the "Infantry Regiment Plauen", and leave this as a very nice research opportunity.

The stein has retained its bright colors and its pewter lid, which shows an early war style transitional M16 Stahlhelm helmet with a Heer Eagle decal, surrounded by a laurel wreath. There is also a swas insignia on the thumb piece to open the lid. It is a ½L size as marked by the handle, with some lot numbers stamped into the bottom of the stein.

This 1/2L stein is in excellent condition being free of chips and cracks and totally original WWII era produced. Ready to research and display!