Trio of Blue and White Salt-Glazed Beer Steins
Decorative Art, Ceramic Vessels (German Beer Steins and Pitcher/Master Stein) • German mass-production workshop (possibly King-Werk, Thewalt, or Marzi & Remy)
Style & Movement
German Revivalist / Traditional Folklore (Heimatstil)
Medium & Technique
Salt-glazed stoneware (Westerwald style), mold-pressed relief with cobalt blue (Blau-Grau) coloring and salt-glaze finish
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1960-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Mixed set including one large master pitcher (approx. 10-12 inches) and two smaller drinking steins (approx. 5-6 inches), vertical cylindrical format
Subject Description
Traditional tavern and city motifs including a central master stein depicting merrymakers at a table with the inscription 'TRINKEN FRÖHLICH SINGEN / JE ZU GUTEN DINGEN' and a smaller stein featuring the 'Münchner Kindl' (Munich Child) monk figure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; surface retains gloss, but the lids (typically pewter) appear to be missing from all three vessels.
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $75.00 for the set
Auction Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00
Provenance History
Likely acquired as souvenirs or decorative kitchenware in Germany or through North American importers; no specific labels visible from the current angle.
Art Historical Significance
Represent traditional German craft heritage and the post-WWII tourism boom in Bavaria; they serve as functional folk art intended for display or communal use.
Notable Features
The presence of the Münchner Kindl identifies the smaller stein as a souvenir of Munich; the cobalt blue high-relief technique is a classic hallmark of the Westerwald stoneware region.
Condition Issues
Significant loss of value due to missing pewter lids; minor surface dust and possible slight crazing consistent with age.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle hand washing with mild detergent; avoid mechanical dishwashers; display away from shelf edges to prevent chipping.
Collector Notes
Steins