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German Steins

Nothing sings of the gregarious German culture more than the ceramic stein. A symbol of revelry and rowdy drinking, the German stein is also a piece of history, with its origins dating back to the days of the Black Death.

In the 14th century, when the Bubonic Plague broke out and began ravaging western European populations, those who wished to thwart the disease began developing measures to increase sanitation. One of these measures was to add lids or covers to drinking vessels. This trend became law in Germany by the early years of the 16th century, resulting in development of a hinged lid for mugs and tankards.

At the same time, ceramists also began experimenting with stoneware, fired at extreme temperatures to create a more durable vessel. Such was the combination of factors that gave birth to the stein. This vessel has remained relatively unchanged to the present day, save for the level of decoration on the exterior. From family crests to souvenir scenes, German stein pottery comes adorned with a variety of motifs that will compel almost any collector.


Quick Facts

  • "Stein" is actually a truncation of the German word "steinzeugkreug," which roughly translates to "stoneware tankard"
  • Before the popularity of ceramic vessels, many beer drinking mugs were crafted from wood. This proved problematic, as the natural porosity of wood meant that the stench of old beer would linger long after drinking
  • Stoneware stein tankards were considered a symbol of status in the 16th century, as they were without a doubt a pricey investment

Recommended Items at Auction

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Luftschiffer Presentation Stein
Feb 13, 10:00 AM CST
Luftschiffer Presentation Stein
by New Orleans Auction Galleries
Est: $75- $125
$904 Bids
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2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games Stein
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games Stein
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $75- $150
$252 Bids
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2 Millenium Steins
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
2 Millenium Steins
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $100- $200
$302 Bids
VINTAGE MUSTERSCHUTZ GERMAN 3-LITER BEER STEIN
Feb 13, 2:00 PM EST
VINTAGE MUSTERSCHUTZ GERMAN 3-LITER BEER STEIN
by Westport Auction
Est: $50- $10,000
$502 Bids
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(3) Anheuser - Busch Steins
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
(3) Anheuser - Busch Steins
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $60- $120
$201 Bid
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach "Cooper with Steins"Stein
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach "Cooper with Steins"Stein
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
Two 19th century German pewter mounted ceramic stein
Feb 14, 10:00 AM GMT
Two 19th century German pewter mounted ceramic stein
by Martel Maides
Est: £100- £150
£751 Bid
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13 Assorted Anheuser - Busch Steins
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
13 Assorted Anheuser - Busch Steins
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $75- $150
$300 Bids
Zwei Henkelkrüge. Hans-Peter Meyer, Bischofswerda. Wohl 1990''s.
Mar 08, 10:00 AM CET
Zwei Henkelkrüge. Hans-Peter Meyer, Bischofswerda. Wohl 1990''s.
by Schmidt Kunstauktionen Dresden OHG
Est: €170- €200
€1400 Bids
Villeroy & Boch Beer Stein
Feb 23, 11:00 AM EST
Villeroy & Boch Beer Stein
by Collective Hudson, LLC
Est: $100- $1,000
$500 Bids
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Vintage Gerz Mustache Man Beer Stein
Feb 13, 6:00 PM EST
Vintage Gerz Mustache Man Beer Stein
by Heritage Antiques & Auction
Est: $40- $80
$200 Bids
GROUPING OF WEST GERMAN BEER STEINS
Feb 13, 2:00 PM EST
GROUPING OF WEST GERMAN BEER STEINS
by Westport Auction
Est: $50- $10,000
$500 Bids
Three VIntage Germany Art Pottery Beer Stein
Feb 22, 9:30 AM EST
Three VIntage Germany Art Pottery Beer Stein
by Luban Antique
Est: $50- $200
$100 Bids
Group of 3 VIntage Germany Pottery Beer Stein
Feb 22, 9:30 AM EST
Group of 3 VIntage Germany Pottery Beer Stein
by Luban Antique
Est: $20- $100
$100 Bids
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Eagle Stein & Mirror
Feb 18, 10:00 AM EST
Eagle Stein & Mirror
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $60- $120
$150 Bids
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach "Hunter in Tavern" Stein
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach "Hunter in Tavern" Stein
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
GROUPING OF VINTAGE GERMAN BEER STEINS
Feb 13, 2:00 PM EST
GROUPING OF VINTAGE GERMAN BEER STEINS
by Westport Auction
Est: $50- $10,000
$500 Bids
GERMANY BEER STIENE
Feb 22, 11:00 AM CST
GERMANY BEER STIENE
by Dees Auction Company,LLC
Est: $35- $65
$100 Bids
Group Of Vintage German Made Steins And Figurine
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
Group Of Vintage German Made Steins And Figurine
by Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry
Est: $250- $300
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell German Steins


Barry S. Slosberg Inc

Barry S. Slosberg Inc

Westport Auction

Westport Auction

Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.

Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.