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From: Walt Vogdes
Remote Name: 76.121.39.110
Date: 10/19/2011
Time: 05:57:43 PM
I don't have any firsthand knowledge of these steins but let me do some speculating. I suspect the steins were new in 1985 when you bought them. If that's not the case, then stop reading right now because I can't offer anything pertinent. As new steins they would obviously have been produced, perhaps as limited editions, for the Berlin marketplace, and they would have somewhat limited appeal in other areas. I doubt if production quantity was very large. However, rarity does not always equate with value. For example, a Mettlach stein with an original but incorrect inlaid lid (it did happen) would be considered rare, but the rarity is due to any oddity which does not increase its value. At the end of the day, it would simply be a Mettlach stein with a mis-matched lid. Similarly, your steins, regardless of rarity, would be valued based on quality, appeal and condition. With that in mind, most contemporary steins hit their peak market value the first time they are sold at retail, and rarely achieve that level again, failing even to keep up with inflation. Sorry to speculate, but that at least provides fuel for further discussion.