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From: Eric
Remote Name: 67.5.199.155
Hi Barb, I noticed you haven't received any replies on this. I feel you have a need for a quick opinion, so here it is. Remember this, even though Mettlach steins were, and still are, very unique and very advanced in their manufacturing process, they are NOT perfect. These were mass produced. They were done mainly by mold, but had finish work done by hand. Although I can barely see what you have described in between the handles, this is usually an area where there are mold seams, and need to be touched up by hand. So, maybe the guy who did this didn't get enough sleep the night before because his newborne kept him up all night. OK, I know that sounds like I'm joking, but you know in reality, people themselves are not perfect workers who always perform perfectly. Maybe he just chose the wrong tint. (1972, the group, Badfinger wrote a song, "There is no real perfection"). I have a mid 1880's Mettlach mosaic piece where the mold lines are touched up badly, but I feel it is mint....just as it left the factory minus 120 years of oxidation. I feel you have a nice stein. I have never done it and know nothing about it, but maybe there is something to looking at it under a black light for signs of breakage/repair. Also, maybe you could find someone in your area who is a steincollector who could look at it and give you an idea. It is impossible to see any repair from your pic. Also, I see no evidence the seller has any idea of a repair or imperfection. They gave a few and put new pics up when queried. eric