The phrase "beer steins" is applied broadly to any large mug that holds beer, but true beer aficionados know that true beer steins are born in Germany, have a lid and are likely made of natural material such as stone. We cover this dogmatic form of beer stein under German beer steins.
Since beer steins actually come in a splendid variety of styles they are an eminent beer collectible. Some of the kinds of beer steins you will find here include stoneware steins, heavily ornamented beer mugs, pewter mugs and beer steins made of everything from porcelain to wood to silver to crystal and everything in between. Stein means “stone” in German so it may be said that this is the material of a true beer stein.
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German beer steins and lidded steins. |
 Find unique and collectable steins. |
Some background and history
Steins are usually a half litre or even a full litre, although they do not necessarily need to be this large. The lid of a traditional stein is often made of metal such as pewter and equipped with a thumb lever that the drinker lifts when he or she wants to take a drink. Tradition tells that the lid was necessary during The Middle Ages when flies (often disease-ridden, of course) were rampant. Even the design of today’s beer bottles and cans is helpful in keeping out bugs that seem perpetually attracted to the sweet smell of beer. Today, the lid is largely decorative and from our rotating collection you will find that this decoration is well worth the ‘ooh!’ factor in these wonderful conversation pieces.Check out our collection of lidded beer steins.
Among the variations in lidded steins you will find steins with figurines, which are most often made in pewter but rarities can be found in gold and silver, making these not only beautiful but very valuable. Ornamental lidded steins are also very high in value. Conical lidded steins are more common and less valuable although still collectible, while stoneware lids are still being made but antique stoneware lidded steins are very hard to find in good condition.
Many collectible beer steins are decorated with a wink at the beer stein’s German heritage and many of these make excellent collectibles. The most valuable collectibles carry brewery emblems or Bavarian motifs, although, of course, steins from the nineteenth and eighteenth centuries and earlier are also wonderful finds for your beer collectibles collection.
We are amazed at the many colorful and unique beer steins that come through our listings here and we hope you bookmark our beer steins page to return often and find out what is new in the world of beer stein collectibles.
German beer steins
German beer steins are the genuine deal when it comes to beer steins. German beer steins are the premium beer collectible, and we are proud to have featured many different unique and antique steins including German Munchen Oktoberfest steins and other vintage German, Bavarian and other glassware and stoneware steins and tankards. We also carry limited edition German beer steins with a never ending variety of unique, fun and collectible designs.
Pewter beer mugs, tankards and steins
Pewter beer mugs are quite often European in origin, notably form Germany and from England and many of these – especially antique pewter mugs and steins –are highly collectable. Pewter is notable for its soft finish, its anti-corrosive properties, lack of conductivity (of cold or warm) and its durability. People like pewter beer mugs because you can put them in the freezer and they will keep your beer very cold.
There are many beer mugs that in corporate pewter along with other materials like ceramics or clay. Since there is a mix of materials these can make some of the most interesting collectable beer mugs you can find and these are really pleasing to the touch and the eye.
At right is a German pewter tankard that was listed on eBay in 2010 for $135. In general, pewter beer mugs and steins are relatively commonplace and most people are looking for items that are priced practically and are not intended as collectable.
There are cheaper pewter mugs available all over the place but there is nothing so charming as an English pewter beer jar. If it has been engraved this adds a lot of value to the product. Pewter sets might include several mugs and a pitcher.