Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Antique Traditional German Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Pewter Porcelain

$911.57
£681.02
€770
CA$1,269.32
A$1,363.82
CHF 731.68
MX$16,067.32

About the Item

Antique Traditional German Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Pewter Porcelain German Glass, Pewter, Porcelain Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D: 18cm x 14cm Crafted in the late 19th century, this German beer stein exemplifies the enduring tradition of the classic drinking vessel. Beer steins originated in 14th century Germany, when new sanitation laws required beverage containers to have lids to prevent contamination. This led to the creation of the lidded stoneware mug with a thumb lever for ease of use, eventually known as the beer stein. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, German artisans refined the craft, producing beautifully decorated examples made from stoneware, pewter, glass and porcelain. By the 19th century, beer steins had become both practical drinking vessels and artistic expressions of German culture, often featuring intricate reliefs and regional or historical themes. Their popularity spread throughout Europe, reflecting not only the rich brewing traditions but also the artistry and craftsmanship of the era. The present example features a glass body adorned with circular cut facets throughout. Its bulbous handle provides a comfortable grip and is topped with a pewter lid. The lid’s porcelain plaque displays a transfer-printed scene depicting a man standing on the edge of a cliff with a rifle, gazing towards his hunted prey. Scenes such as this were popular at the time, emphasizing German pride and the fine craftsmanship for which these steins became renowned. The thumb lever, cast in the form of a mask surrounded by scrolling motifs, is generously sized to make lifting the lid effortless. With its intricate porcelain plaque and finely faceted glass body, this antique stein is a fascinating testament to 19th century German artistry and an exceptional addition to any collection of historic drinkware.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.09 in (18 cm)Diameter: 5.52 in (14 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful and authentic, cleaned condition with slight signs of wear typical for its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Greven, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5419247248542

More From This Seller

View All
German Antique Late 19th Century Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Porcelain Pewter
Located in Greven, DE
German Antique Late 19th Century Lidded Glass Jug Beer Stein Porcelain Pewter German Glass, Pewter, Porcelain Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D x W: 17cm x 14.5cm Crafted in ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Glass

Materials

Pewter

Antique Ceramic Porcelain German Lidded Beer Stein Jug Villeroy Boch
By Villeroy Boch
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Ceramic Porcelain German Lidded Beer Stein Jug Villeroy & Boch German Ceramic, Pewter, Porcelain c. 1900 Dimensions: H x D: 16cm x 13cm This superb beer stein was crafte...
Category

Early 20th Century German Ceramics

Materials

Pewter

Antique German Lidded Blue Glazed Earthenware Beer Stein Jug Merkelbach Wick
By Merkelbach
Located in Greven, DE
Antique German Lidded Blue Glazed Earthenware Beer Stein Jug Merkelbach Wick German Earthenware, Metal c. 1900 Dimensions: H x D: 18.5cm x 13.5cm This fine beer stein was made by Merkelbach Wick, a German stoneware factory based in Grenzhausen. Founded around 1872–1873 by Friedrich Wilhelm Merkelbach II and Georg Peter Wick, the firm became known for its fine earthenware and, from the early 1880s onward, its ivory stoneware, which blended traditional craftsmanship with emerging artistic styles. Their creations gained particular popularity in North America, with roughly half of their production exported there by the late 19th century. Merkelbach Wick’s beer steins were especially notable: many 19th and early 20th century pub steins, including those produced for major breweries, were crafted in salt-glazed or ivory stoneware and often bore the distinctive ‘M W Gr.’ impressed seal - such as the one on this example - making them highly prized by collectors today. Crafted from earthenware, this stein features moulded high-relief decoration encircling the entire body. Various geometric borders frame a central band filled with naturalistic and mythological motifs. Oval cartouches contain classical busts, while the spaces between them depict centaurs, symbolising the duality of human nature and the tension between intellect and instinct. The deep blue glaze accentuates the raised decoration while allowing parts of the ivory-coloured earthenware to remain visible for contrast. The prominent earthenware handle is decorated in the same style as the body, and the vessel is topped with a hinged metal lid. Its generously sized thumb lever allows the drinker to comfortably raise the lid, and the top is inset with a beautifully modelled earthenware panel. On the base remains the original Merkelbach Wick label, highlighting the firm's international reach with branches in Philadelphia, Vienna, and Munich. The earthenware is also impressed with their ‘M W Gr.’ mark, used between c. 1879 and 1921. With its detailed design and superb craftsmanship from a renowned manufacturer, this antique stein...
Category

Early 20th Century German Ceramics

Materials

Metal

Art Deco German Silver Lustre Porcelain Sugar Bowl Jug WMF Königszelt Porzellan
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Greven, DE
Art Deco German Silver Lustre Porcelain Sugar Bowl Jug WMF Königszelt Porzellan German Porcelain c. 1920s/ 1930s Dimensions: H x W x D: Sugar bowl : 9cm x 12.5cm x 8cm Jug : 7c...
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Tableware

Materials

Porcelain

Crystal Glass Carafe With Handle, 20th Century, Mouth-Blown, 24 cm
Located in Greven, DE
This masterfully crafted carafe combines aesthetic beauty with practicality and is a timeless symbol of sophistication and style. The characteristic feature of crystal glass is its ...
Category

20th Century French Glass

Materials

Glass

Late 19th Century German or Bohemian Glass Inkwell
Located in Greven, DE
Iridescent Glass Inkwell with Brass Lid Origin: Bohemia or Germany Material: mold-blown glass, brass Date: circa 1900 Dimensions: H × D:...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Bohemian Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

German Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German (20th Century) porclain beer stein with barber scene and pewter cover with yellow jewel top (with1888 on base)
Category

20th Century German Biedermeier Tableware

Materials

Pewter

antique cut glass beer stein 1920s art nouveau with hand painted porcelain lid
Located in Landshut, BY
Antique glass beer jug with a pewter and porcelain lid Hand painted by Ludwig Kannengießer A commemorative gift from a university fraternity. Southern Germany 1927 Ø 7.5 cm ~ Heig...
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Nouveau Pitchers

Materials

Pewter

German Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German (20th Century) porcelain beer stein with butcher scene and pewter cover with pink jewel top (with 1891 on base)
Category

20th Century German Biedermeier Tableware

Materials

Pewter

Antique Regensburg 1 Liter Lidded Ceramic Beer Stein, 1880s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful beer stein made in the city of Regensburg in Germany. This beer stein was made in Germany, circa 1880's or earlier. Absolutely beautiful piece, still in great condition, ...
Category

Antique 1880s German Folk Art Barware

Materials

Pewter

German Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
German porcelain beer stein with farm scene and pewter cover with finial top (1891).  
Category

20th Century German Other Pitchers

Materials

Pewter

German Porcelain and Pewter Beer Stein
Located in Queens, NY
2 Similar German porcelain beer stein with cavalry scene and pewter top with knight on horse (1882) (PRICED EACH)
Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Tableware

Materials

Pewter