Original Imperial German WWI Era Kaiserliche Marine Navy Salt Glaze Lidded Beer Stein – Wilhelmshaven Hafenpartie

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. This is a high quality salt glaze stein made for a member of the Kaiserliche Marine, the Imperial German Navy. This example depicts sailors aboard a ship with a submarine in the background, naval mines and other artillery equipment in the foreground, with 1914 Iron Crosses within life preservers. There are Imperial German flags and other lovely patriotic motifs. The lid of the stein has a harbor scene labeled “Wilhelmshaven Hafenpartie”, so the sailor was likely stationed in Wilhelmshaven. The top of the stein is inscribed Lieb Vaterland magst ruhig sein, or Dear fatherland, you can rest assured. Behind the handle is the number 2402, possibly the model number. The side of the stein is capacity marked 1/2L, for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these. The stein measures 7 ¾” tall with a 3 ⅝” base diameter. A very impressive display item from the Imperial German Navy, ready to research and display!