What is a German beer stein?

A German beer stein is a traditional mug designed specifically for drinking beer. Initially, beer steins had been made of stoneware but today they can be found made of a range of materials including glass or pewter. Contemporary beer steins may have hinged lids or no lid at all, and the older versions are sold as collectibles. Shop a collection of antique and vintage German beer steins from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What are German beer steins for?

German beer steins are used for drinking beer! They have a handle and a lid and are either hand-painted or decorated with intricate designs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic German beer steins from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is a stein in German?

A stein is essentially a beer mug that is traditionally used to drink German beer. Long ago, steins used to be made of stone and later were then replaced by glass. Shop a wide variety of antique and vintage steins on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if a beer stein is vintage?

Some beer stein molds have been in use for a long time, so the design is often not enough to tell if you have a vintage piece. On the bottom of the stein, you may find a maker’s mark and even an exact date of manufacture. Another good indicator is to examine the pewter lid and hinge. Pewter acquires an uneven patina over time but fakes that use a darkening agent will have an evenly distributed patina. If the inside of your stein’s lid is much lighter than the outside, that's a good sign you have an antique. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique beer steins from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is a German beer mug called?

A German beer mug is called Bierkrug or Maß (for a one-liter mug). The large beer glasses are called steins. Maß is a double-walled glass drinking vessel that holds 3 average beers for an American. The vessel itself weighs in at over 2 pounds so when it is full, you know you have a large serving of beer. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique beer mugs.

How long is a German beer table?

The length of a German beer table varies. However, these long wood and metal dining tables usually seat at least four adults and are generally at least 48 to 50 inches long to accommodate them. On 1stDibs, shop a range of tables from some of the world's top sellers.

German Beer Stein

German Stoneware Pitcher

German Beer Stein For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic German beer stein available at 1stDibs. A German beer stein — often made from ceramic, metal and stoneware — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer German beer stein, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each German beer stein bearing Folk Art, Mid-Century Modern or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. A well-made German beer stein has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Marzi Remy and Peter Behrens are consistently popular.

How Much is a German Beer Stein?

Prices for a German beer stein start at $120 and top out at $4,800 with the average selling for $550.

Finding the Right Dining-entertaining for You

Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?

Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.

Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.

Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.

“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”

Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.

At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.

Questions About German Beer Stein

What is a German beer stein?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A German beer stein is a traditional mug designed specifically for drinking beer. Initially, beer steins had been made of stoneware but today they can be found made of a range of materials including glass or pewter. Contemporary beer steins may have hinged lids or no lid at all, and the older versions are sold as collectibles. Shop a collection of antique and vintage German beer steins from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What are German beer steins for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
German beer steins are used for drinking beer! They have a handle and a lid and are either hand-painted or decorated with intricate designs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic German beer steins from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a stein in German?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A stein is essentially a beer mug that is traditionally used to drink German beer. Long ago, steins used to be made of stone and later were then replaced by glass. Shop a wide variety of antique and vintage steins on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if a beer stein is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Some beer stein molds have been in use for a long time, so the design is often not enough to tell if you have a vintage piece. On the bottom of the stein, you may find a maker’s mark and even an exact date of manufacture. Another good indicator is to examine the pewter lid and hinge. Pewter acquires an uneven patina over time but fakes that use a darkening agent will have an evenly distributed patina. If the inside of your stein’s lid is much lighter than the outside, that's a good sign you have an antique. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique beer steins from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is a German beer mug called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A German beer mug is called Bierkrug or Maß (for a one-liter mug). The large beer glasses are called steins. Maß is a double-walled glass drinking vessel that holds 3 average beers for an American. The vessel itself weighs in at over 2 pounds so when it is full, you know you have a large serving of beer. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and antique beer mugs.
How long is a German beer table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
The length of a German beer table varies. However, these long wood and metal dining tables usually seat at least four adults and are generally at least 48 to 50 inches long to accommodate them. On 1stDibs, shop a range of tables from some of the world's top sellers.

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