Replies to archived posts are not allowed.
From: Walt Vogdes
Remote Name: 24.113.108.29
Hi, Tony. I don't think there is any single answer to this question. In the case of Mettlach etched steins or any other well known piece where the usual inlaid lid is an extension of the overall decorative theme, a pewter lid instead of the inlay might reduce the value by 30%. On the other hand, the difference in market value between a more ordinary stein fitted with a nice pewter lid or a nice inlaid lid would be quite a bit less. Of course, there are exceptional hand-painted porcelain inlays that - on the right piece - raise the value significantly. It's more difficult for pewter lids to have that same impact.
I would re-state your premise slightly. 100 years ago when the steins in question were being produced, pewter lids were more COSTLY. In the case of etched Mettlach's, that may not have made any difference in the buyer's choices, as Mettlach's with the correct original inlay seem to be in the majority. Today's collectors realize that they can replace one pewter lid with another relatively easily, but finding the proper inlaid lid to match a stein is much more difficult, and I have to believe this adds to the value placed on inlaid lids today.