$71.1
$117.32
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. 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 an interesting WWII-dated stein made not for the military but for the Schnauferl Club, an automobile club that was founded in 1900 in Nuremberg. The idea for the club’s founding arose during a visit by five motorists to the Benz Rhenish Gas Engine Factory on May 25, 1900 , for an asparagus lunch. At the General Motor Vehicle Exhibition in Nuremberg, organized by the Franconian Automobile Club, 18 automotive pioneers founded the International Auto-Asparagus Club on June 18, 1900. The word “asparagus” in the club’s name was soon replaced by “Schnauferl” (a nickname for a small, vintage car ). The asparagus symbol in the club’s emblem was replaced in 1901 by a De Dion-Bouton single – cylinder engine. Gustav Braunbeck was appointed president. The stein was made in 1940 to commemorate 40 years of the Schnauferl Club, and depicts several cars and roadways with the text at the top reading: 40 Jahre Schnauferl-Club 1900-1940 40 years of the Schnauferl Club 1900-1940 The lid of the stein bears the logo of the club and is in great shape. The bottom of the stein retains maker markings: Eckhardt & EnglerHöhr-Grenzhausen There is another stamped maker marking along with the number 3. The stein measures 5 ¼” tall and has a 3 ½” base diameter. It is capacity-marked 0.5L for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these. This is a great stein for a still-active automobile club, ready for display. The club was to recognize no class distinctions among motorists, make no demands, and cultivate conviviality and camaraderie. This was particularly expressed in the titles “Schnauferlbruder” (SB) and “Ehrenschnauferlbruder” (Honorary Schnauferlbruder). The club saw itself as a convivial association of motorists. In its early years, the social life of the ASC took place in Berlin and Munich . In the 1920s, the first regional groups were formed: the Cologne regional group in 1927, as well as the Mannheim and Baden-Palatinate sections. In 1938, the regional groups of Baden-Saar-Palatinate-Hesse, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Hamburg were added. The influx of prominent motorists, manufacturers, aristocrats, and motorsport enthusiasts was enormous in the period leading up to the Second World War . At its first general meeting on October 13, 1901, the ASC boasted 120 members. The Berliner Morgenpost wrote in 1902: “In any case, it [note: the ASC] is currently the most peculiar and interesting automobile club in existence.” Since there were no permanent club premises in the early years, members met at the venues of motoring events. This explains the ASC’s presence at all major motoring events and exhibitions . By 1906, the ASC already had 550 members. The annual membership fee was 25 marks for domestic members and 50 marks for foreign members. Perhaps the most prominent member was honorary member Carl Friedrich Benz , who remained a member until his death in 1929. His name first appears in the minutes of an ASC meeting on May 12, 1901, held in conjunction with the Mannheim-Pforzheim-Mannheim regatta. His wife Bertha and his sons Eugen and Richard were also present. Eugen and Richard Benz remained actively involved in club life until their deaths in the 1950s.
Original Items
