Original German WWII Salt Glaze Weihnachten Christmas 1935 Beer Stein with Hinged Lid - Minenwerfer Company, J.R. 42

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 totally genuine Pre-WW2 Third Reich era produced Heer (army) salt glaze beer stein. This stein features repeated motifs of flowers and vinery around its circumference. The lovely hinged lid depicts a German soldier launching a Minenwerfer, and is embossed:

Minen-W. Komp.
J.R. 42
Bayreuth

And below this is engraved:

Weihnachten 1935
H.H.

This would denote service in the Minenwerfer Company of the 42nd (5th Pomeranian) Infantry during the inter-war period. It was given on Christmas, 1935. 

When closed, the stein measures 5 7/8” tall and has a 3 1/2” base diameter, although at its widest, the body is 4 ½” wide (not including the handle). The bottom of the stein has the stamped number 2752, next to what may be a maker mark, but the stamps are faint.

The side is not capacity-marked, but is likely half of a liter, the standard capacity for these.

This stein is in great condition with the cobalt blue glaze being free of chips and cracks and totally original Pre-WWII era produced.