German Westerwald Stoneware Beer Stein with Pewter Lidded Mount
Hollowware (Beer Stein/Drinking Vessel) · Likely Villeroy & Boch (Mettlach) or Marzi & Remy. The high-quality cobalt glaze and relief work are characteristic of these Westerwald region masters.
Pattern: Traditional Relief Pattern with 'Bei einer Wirtin wundermild' (At a landlady's wonderful/mild) inscription.
Type
Hollowware (Beer Stein/Drinking Vessel)
Maker
Likely Villeroy & Boch (Mettlach) or Marzi & Remy. The high-quality cobalt glaze and relief work are characteristic of these Westerwald region masters.
Material
The body is salt-glazed stoneware (grey and cobalt); the mount is Pewter (Zinn), a tin-based alloy. No silver content is present in the lid.
Dimensions
Standard 0.5 Liter size. Approximately 8-9 inches in height; estimated weight 600-800 grams including the heavy lid.
Description
A classic German 'Bierkrug' featuring a deep cobalt blue body with light grey relief carvings. The central medallion displays a folk-verse inscription. It is crowned with a domed pewter lid that has acquired a heavy, atmospheric tarnish.
Key Features
The 'Bei einer Wirtin' verse (from the poem 'Der Wirthin Töchterlein'), the '1187' model number, and the distinctive 'AS IS' price tag indicating its current retail environment.
Material & Composition
The body is salt-glazed stoneware (grey and cobalt); the mount is Pewter (Zinn), a tin-based alloy. No silver content is present in the lid.
Finish & Decoration
Relief molding in Renaissance Revival style (Historicism). The lid features cast scrollwork and a domed finial; the body uses cobalt blue slip and sgraffito-style detailing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A numeric mold stamp '1187' is visible on the handle base. A 'Zinn' or maker's mark is likely on the interior of the pewter lid (not visible in photo).
Construction Details
The stoneware is mold-formed with hand-applied relief. The pewter lid is cast and attached using a hand-fitted compression strap around the handle.
Functional Features
Hinged lid operated by a thumb-lift (lever) to keep debris out of the beverage and maintain temperature.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral stoneware handle with a simulated wood-grain or vine relief; pewter thumb-lift is a fan-shaped scalloped design for ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality relief molding that mimics hand-carving. The pewter lid shows cast lines but robust hinge joinery typical of the period.
Authentication Indicators
Slightly porous texture of the pewter; authentic salt-glaze 'orange peel' texture on the stoneware; stamped production numbers consistent with German factory standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Westerwald region, Germany (likely Höhr-Grenzhausen). Known for centuries of specialized salt-glaze stoneware production.
Era & Period
Historicism / German Renaissance Revival (late 19th Century to early 20th Century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1920. Based on the typography of the German phrase and the cast texture of the pewter mount.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of German beer steins, where drinking vessels served as both functional items and status symbols reflecting the owner's cultural literacy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The pewter is heavily oxidized (dark grey tarnish); the stoneware shows minor 'flea bites' or edge wear. Marked 'AS IS' for $8.50, suggesting a minor crack or loose hinge.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 in a retail antique setting. The $8.50 price tag shown is a significant bargain, likely due to the 'AS IS' condition note.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish the pewter with silver polish as it will remove the antique patina. Clean stoneware with warm soapy water only; avoid dishwashers which can loosen the pewter strap.
Similar Pieces
Mettlach etched steins (more valuable due to inlay technique) or modern souvenir steins (lighter, less detailed casting).
Interesting Facts
The poem referenced on the front is a famous German ballad by Ludwig Uhland, often depicted on vessels intended for student fraternities or taverns.