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."

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 very high quality original stein, named to an Inter War Bavarian Infantry Regiment, 15.21. (Bayer.) Inf. Rgt., for Christmas 1934. The stein may have had a hinged lid at one point, but it is now gone. There is a chip above the handle as shown. 

The side of the stein itself is quite colorful, and marked with a lovely regimental emblem, surrounded by the following text:

ZUR ERINNERUNG an
15./ 21. (BAYER.) JNF. RGT.
WEIHNACHTEN 1934

This would indicate service in the 15th Kompanie of the 21st (Bavarian) Infantry Regiment in 1934.

The Design of the emblem shows a typical German Stahlhelm (Steel helmet) with the Bavarian State colors decal, over a Maxim 08/15 and Mauser GEW98. There are oak leaves and acorns in the background, along with a lovely blue and white border, again the Bavarian State colors. It should be noted however that the helmet bears the NSDAP Heer shield, as this was made during the transitional period before the creation of the Wehrmacht in 1935. The side of the Stein is stamped 10/20L, for a half liter, and measures 5 inches tall and 3 3/4 inches wide.

The stein really is quite lovely, and also in great shape, with lovely checking in the clear glaze, and a great lid. A very nice Genuine German Beer Stein from the Post WWI Period. Ready to display!

The Weimar Republic (German: Weimarer Republik), officially the German Reich (Deutsches Reich), also referred to as the German People's State (Deutscher Volksstaat) or simply the German Republic (Deutsche Republik), was the German state from 1918 to 1933. As a term, it is an unofficial historical designation that derives its name from the city of Weimar, where its constitutional assembly first took place. The official name of the republic remained the German Reich as it had been during the German Empire because of the German tradition of substates.

Although commonly translated as "German Empire," Reich here better translates as "realm" in that the term does not necessarily have monarchical connotations in itself. The Reich was changed from a constitutional monarchy into a republic. In English, the country was usually known simply as Germany, and the Weimar Republic name became mainstream only in the 1930s.

The Reichswehr (English: Realm Defense) formed the military organization of Germany from 1919 until 1935, when it was united with the new Wehrmacht (Defense Force). At the end of World War I, the forces of the German Empire were disbanded, the men returning home individually or in small groups. Many of them joined the Freikorps (Free Corps), a collection of volunteer paramilitary units that were involved in suppressing the German Revolution and border clashes between 1918 and 1923.

The Reichswehr was limited to a standing army (Reichsheer) of 100,000 men, and a navy (Reichsmarine) of 15,000. The establishment of a general staff was prohibited. Heavy weapons such as artillery above the caliber of 105 mm (for naval guns, above 205 mm), armored vehicles, submarines and capital ships were forbidden, as were aircraft of any kind. Compliance with these restrictions was monitored until 1927 by the Military Inter-Allied Commission of Control.