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From: Ron S.
Remote Name: 69.239.124.130
Moze, You've epresented a great question. There are so many variations that it is difficult to give a clear answer. But I am going to give a shot. First I would like to point out that there is a site here on STEINCOLLECTORS for buying and selling and suggest you move your offer over there if after reading this you still would like to sell the stein. Your Bud Man stein is from 1975, one of many variations. It is listed as cs1 the lowest number for the modern steins, though not the earliest. The Beer Stein Library list 5 versions, except for the trademark symbol would be considered the first or second variation. Many collectors feel the trademark was placed on later orders. Personally I don't. Because Anheuser Busch admittedly kept poor records even through the 80's, and seeming left quality control up to the Ceramarte Manufacturers, there is no way to be sure. The "officail Collector's Guide to Anheuser-Busch Steins, Volume III" lists "at least 13 variatons" Variations abound in the early steins and even Anheuser Busch had to look outside to collectors for information about their own product. The above mentioned book includes a call for information regarding the product and an admition to the lack of documentation about the variations and "discovery" of unknown steins.My personal opinion on the Bud Man steins is that they were ordered at various times throughout the year and that those purchasing were given an option on the thumblift and hollow lid. It occurs to me that the solid head, as it is called, was more expensive to produce and was probably discouraged and possibly just dropped from availability as orders came in. It appears that paint for the steins was ordered over several occasions and expectedly it arrived in various shades. The founders of Ceramarte, Klaus and Maria Schumacher , German born immigrants spent serveral years producing promotional steins for the local clubs and organizations until they felt they could market to larger markets (mid 70's). They landed the Largest Brewery in the world -Anheuser Busch. It had to set there intire process on it's head, and no doubt created shotages in everything from personel to paint. Anyone connected to management was probably spending more time getting the product out and had no time to worry that blue today was a different shade than it was yesterday, or that the new mold did or did not have a knot in the tie, or that, as in your case, had the trademark symbol or not. It is pretty clear to me that Anheuser Busch really didn't care either. Were it a concern a company the size of Anheuser Busch would not have had any difficulty seeing that it were done. My personal belief is that the steins were probably made simultaneously with Quality Control an afterthought. My feeling about the whole thing is kind of like twins. One is a few minutes earlier but does it really matter? As to the value, at one time this stein was selling for $300.00 plus. Right now a quick ebay search shows of several listed/relisted one sold at $249.95. The beer stein library has a value of $175.00 to $250.00. I sold one two years ago for about $325.00. It's value is what it sells for today when YOU sell it. Ron S.