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From: Bill G
Remote Name: 74.241.49.152
Date: 12/13/2009
Time: 05:04:23 PM
Randall, in lieu of the photos I have a few thoughts that might be helpful to you. If your father had only this stein and got it in Germany it is exactly what is called a souvenir stein. Although many collectors would not count it for much it’s a GREAT stein to pass down from one generation to another! Look back at the bottom, because that “n” between Gerz and Germany doesn’t seem right to me. Is it possible that it is part of a “W” worn out or poorly incised? If your father got it “many years ago” between 1949 and 1990 it was made in West Germany, and Gerz often just used W. Germany. The time of his travel should be a part of the stein’s story to your nephew. Also, near the top next to the handle might be a capacity mark, probably 0.5L or 1L, a half or full liter of beer. Gerz doesn’t always include a capacity mark, but if it’s there that could be part of the story, too. When we see photos we might be able to recognize the artist, but right now it sounds like many other steins. I agree with you that it’s probably not very valuable, but I love the idea of making it a family piece.