(3) German Ceramic and Pewter Beer Steins. All with hinged lids. Each marked on the undersides, one with "Made in Germany French Zone," meaning the section occupied by France after World War II from 1945 to 1955. 

Largest Size: 8 x 5 1/4 x 15 1/2 in. 

A beer stein, or simply stein, is either a traditional beer mug made out of stoneware or specifically an ornamental beer mug sold as a souvenir or collectible. In addition to stoneware, steins have been produced in a wide array of materials, including pewter, porcelain, silver, wood, and glass; they may have open tops but usually have hinged lids with a thumb-lever. Steins mainly come in sizes of a half liter or a full liter, although both smaller and larger variations are commonly sold purely as souvenirs, and like tankards they are often decorated in a nostalgic manner with allusions to Germany and regional history of Central Europe. In the 20th Century collecting antique and replicated beer steins became a popular hobby, and production of beer steins expanded from the Westerwald region of Germany to the Americas, with the largest producer currently Ceramarte of Brazil.

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.