Original German Pre-WWII Veterinary Unit Beer Stein with Depiction of Munich Maid & Damaged Hinged Lid - Dated 1936

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One Available. Perhaps no other collectible is so shrouded in myth, misinformation and mistaken identity as German regimental steins. These pieces have been steadily reproduced since the 1960s and most experts agree reproductions far outnumber authentic examples. Yet few buyers other than stein specialists know how to identify the fakes. We have examined this stein thoroughly, with reference to several websites such asRealorReproandSteveonSteins, and this one has all of the correct aspects for being original.The majority of authentic German regimental beer steins were produced between about 1890 and 1914. During this time, military service was compulsory in Germany. Most men would take basic training between 17 and 20 and then enter the reserves until age 40. A group of men would enter a unit together, stay in the same unit for training and be discharged as a unit. This sense of togetherness fostered the custom of buying souvenirs with the unit name, insignias and decorations as a keepsake of military service. Many souvenir items were available such as pipes, clocks, flasks and especially steins. Rosters of names from your unit, or regiment, could be added to the steins and these became known to collectors as 'regimental steins.'Authentic ca. 1890-1914 steins were available in pottery, porcelain, glass and metal. Regardless of what the stein was made of, almost all had pewter lids. The most common sizes are half-liter and one-liter. The beginning of WW I effectively ended the production of regimental steins as labor and materials were diverted to the war. After the War Ended, the much reduced German armed forces now had ample resources to produce steins, and production was restarted.During the build up to WWII, Steins once again gained popularity, though they were generally much more utilitarian than the ornate steins made prior to WWI. They were shorter, with much less ornate glaze, and did not have the level of fit and finish seen earlier. However they were just as cherished by the owners who purchased them to commemorate their service.This is a very good but damaged Pre-WWII stein for a German soldier serving in a Veterinary unit, with depictions of men caring for horses and a symbol in the center of a horseshoe with a crossed hammer and farrier pliers. Over this is a circle with the Munich Maid in the center, a great recognizable symbol of the city. The phrase surrounding it reads:Erinnerung a.d. Lehrkurs der Heereslehrschmiede MünchenMemoir from the training course at the Army Training Academy in MunichThe unit marking at the top reads:2.R.R.10 - Torgau/ElbeR.R. in this context likely refers to Reiterregiment, or Horse Cavalry Regiment. The bottom has the name Gefr. K. Drescher, for Gefreiter K. Drescher. There is a date, v.1.4.1936 - 31.7.1936, denoting a length of service from April 1st, 1936 to July 31st, 1936.The lid of the stein originally had a figure on the top which has now broken off. Under this reads Reserve Hat Ruh (The reservist has peace). The hinge has a German lion, and the interior bottom has a lithograph of two women reading a letter.The stein measures 10 ½' tall with a 4 ¼' base diameter. The side is marked 0/5L, for half of a liter, the standard capacity for these.A very impressive display item from the Pre-WWII era, ready to research and display!Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or GermanyPayment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationDue to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.