Substantial German regimental beer stein dating to c. 1910, produced at the height of the Kaiserzeit tradition of discharge commemoratives. Stoneware body with crisp polychrome decoration and gilded accents; pewter-mounted hinged lid with thumb lift. The decoration presents the classic triptych of service scenes—a central panel depicting the regiment in formation or on maneuvers, flanked by vignette reserves and a roster panel listing fellow conscripts from the same company.
These presentation steins were purchased at the end of active duty and customized with the soldier’s details. They function today as primary documentary objects: named individuals, unit, garrison town, and dates are not just decorative, but historical data points.
A fantastic 1910 German naval beer stein for the SMS Scharnhorst. The stein is painted in the round showing the cruiser, a sailor and his wife, an old schooner, a signal maneuver, and a training academy with a sailor in the foreground all under the header Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit (Reminder of my service).
Various inscriptions read in English: Long live the reserve man; the watch on the Baltic Sea beach is certain. The inscription is to Sailor Maier. Atop the stein is a pewter lid with a German sailor holding an anchor and spade.
The SMS Scharnhorst was commissioned into service in the German Imperial Navy in 1907. As a best in class armored cruiser, it spent several years in Asia and carried diplomatic personnel on state visits. On November 1, 1914 the ship and its squadron was attacked by the British off the southern coast of South America where it prevailed, but the British destroyed it near the Falkland Islands December 8, 1914. This naval memorabilia is thus all the more dear and precious.
Materials and Technique
Molded stoneware body with transfer decoration and hand enameling
Pewter lid, hinge, and thumb lift
Hand-applied gilding to borders and cartouches
Dating and Context
Regimental steins of this type were produced circa 1890–1914 for soldiers completing their service under the Imperial system. The 1910 date places this example in the mature phase of the tradition, just before the First World War, when workshops standardized formats but still delivered high-quality enameling and bespoke inscriptions. Authentic examples typically record unit, garrison, dates of service, and a roster—features present here.
Condition
Excellent presentation for age and use. Enamels remain bright; text and names are legible. Pewter mount [light oxidation / light rubbing] consistent with age; hinge firm and functional. No cracks; no repairs. [Note any minute rim frit or tiny glaze skip if present.] Interior clean. Overall a well-preserved, collector-grade example suitable for display or research.
Significance
Beyond decorative appeal, this stein is a compact archival record of a soldier’s service on the eve of the Great War. Named and unit-specific examples with complete rosters and intact pewter are increasingly scarce; they anchor collections of militaria, ceramics, or German Empire social history.
Authenticity Notes (what buyers look for)
Period stoneware and enamel with age-appropriate glaze and footring wear
Pewter of correct alloy and weight; hinge and thumb lift construction appropriate to date
Personalized roster and inscriptions in period script; no modern overpainting
(Where present) lithophane in base with correct translucency and subject
Shipping and Handling
Professionally packed in double-walled cartons with immobilized interior, lid protected separately, and fully insured shipment. International shipping available on request.
Dimensions (inches)
Height: 11
Condition
Excellent - very little wear
