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German regimental lidded beer stein, w/lithophane, 1912
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German regimental lidded beer stein, w/lithophane, 1912
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World War I German Regimental Lidded Beer Stein, marked & dated 1912-14, 10th d. With Lithophane &"secret"hand painted scene in a crystal pyramid.
Here is an extraordinary piece that would satisfy many different collectors from militaria to porcelain to WWI to things with secret surprises built right in. First & foremost this is an authentic WWI German regimental beer stein of porcelain and pewter lid, with hand painted motifs and scenes specific to the German division of this infantry. Actual names of officers appear of both sides of the handle as do the number, location, & name of the regiment. It is dated 1912-1914. The pewter lid, secured to the top of the porcelain stein handle by a collar to which is attached an "L" shaped hinge is fastened, cab be lifted up off the to of the stein by pressing the thumb down on the extension designed for this purpose. The pewter top is also engraved with notices specific to the regimen. In addition the crown of the lid is richly decorated. At the top there is a miniature 3-D portrait statue in pewter of a German officer from this company. Completely & accurately dressed in official uniform (including helmut) with weaponry of the era. Also, the hinged thumb depressor is magnificently decorated in a national motif. Depicted here is the German lion, symbol of the State and virtues of strength, honor, & valor. But here begins the first of two surprises. And here is where the fun begins! Below the base where the officer stands atop the stein's lid is a secret screw top. And when you turn this entire little area counterclockwise you can remove this mini portion of the lid. What is reviled beneath is a hand painted scene (rather domestic to me) and protected by a prism cut crystal that makes a pyramid that tops this little portrait. I have not seen another German Regimental Lidded Stein with anything like this. And that it's hidden (more protected by the officer on top) adds an element of humanity (even fun) to an otherwise terribly serious memento. Realize now there is usually balance & order in almost every German so if the top has a hidden treasure then so too must the bottom. This comes is the form of a lithophane. Lithophane is Greek in origin and means (my paraphrase) 'light in stone.' Without knowing the surprise, if your fingers could reach the bottom of the inside of the stein, they would detect a bumpy bottom texture. This is no poor quality porcelain firing or bad pottery making, for this rolling, bumpy, bottom casting forms an image that, when held out & up to the sun (or light), a beautiful three-dimensional picture appears, backlit through the porcelain with absolute detail & decipherable depth. It's the second surprise and perfectly balances the first surprise at the top. Both add a warm & strong feeling of family, and a sense of time & place that would otherwise not exist in such a somber piece. But in fact it does and it's this gift of surprise that makes this collectible item an important one. It marks a time in this country's history that could be mixed with humanism & dignity -- a time that was not long lasting -- but here brought back by this extraordinary & remarkable piece. I welcome you to view the pictures and ask any questions. I welcome you too to bid on this wonderful stein (and hope you win if you do!). N.B. I have set a reserve price because this was purchased in the late 1950's as a wedding gift by the bride to her future bridegroom and the reserve price is the price paid at that time. Specs: Height: 32cm / 12 1/2" (with lid affixed); Length: 15cm / 6" (from end of lip of lid to outside handle); Diameter: 34cm / 13 1/2" (at largest area at bottom). Markings: ? Condition: Excellent. No chips, cracks, or crazing to the porcelain. No dings or dents to the mental. No chips or cracks to the crystal. No visible signs of wear or tear and all depictions are intact in full color. 
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