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."

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 WWII Third Reich era produced ceramic .5L beer stein with a hinged pewter lid. This is a souvenir that would have been purchased by a Heer Army Infantry soldier during the pre WWII Era. The stein features a lovely battle scene, showing Infantry soldiers advancing across the field, with a Maxim 08/15 in a support roll to the bottom. It shows the iconic camouflage pattern often used on early / pre wwii cammo cans. To the right of the panel is a small NACHBILDUNG VERBOTEN "reproduction prohibited" notice.

At the top of the stein under the lid it indicates that the stein is for service in 3. KOMP. JNF. RGT. REGENSBURG, for the 3rd Company, Infantry Regiment Regensburg, a pre-war unit that was a vestige of the Weimar Republic Reichswehr. On the top of the lid it is named to O. Hundsberger, and at the bottom under the battle scene it has standard ERINNERUNG an meine DIENSTZEIT, which translates to "In memory of my service". It is a 10/20 (0.5liter) size as marked by the handle, and measures approximately 6 inches tall. There is not as much ornamentation and text as we sometimes see on these, however these varied widely, and we have seen this exact same basic design before. 

Condition is very good, with a lovely patina, though it does appear that the stein has cracked due to age in several areas, such as right by the size marking and through the front panel. We see no evidence of damage from being dropped, so we assume that due to improper firing or storage over the decades these cracks developed.

This .05 l stein is lovely, being totally original WWII era produced. Ready to research and display!