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From: Jeff L.
Remote Name: 66.211.206.75
I have 4 mettlach steins that each have what I will call 'character flaws' because I don't consider it to be damage. 1. Mettlach 2428 which has a pewter lid with an etched German lion or Lowe. Gary Kirsner's reference book and his web site, however, indicate that the lid should be inlaid. I believe that mettlach made this stein with a solid pewter lid. The stein is the most well preserved Mettlach I have ever seen and has the proper man/boy blowing the horn on its thumblift. 2. Large mettlach, with what was called in the description as a 'glaze abrasion', when I took a chance and purchased it. When I received it, I looked at it and it was practically undetectable. I probably never would have noticed it had it not been brought to my attention. My brother and father (who are also stein collectors) told me that they believe it may have happened during the manufacturing process and is thus a 'factory flaw'. They believe it happened as the stein was settling on the stands, or whatever they are called, that potters use when the stein was cooling after the firing process. Peronally, I love the piece and it does not detract from it at all. Has anyone seen this before? 3. Mettlach stein 2090 or club stein. This stein has a flaw that I know must have happened during the production process. This stein and its brothers form #s 2089 through 2092 have along their bases an inticate kind of relief design or almost a fleur de les type of pattern. I'm sure you guys/girls know what I mean. anyway, on mine there is what loked like a chip but I concluded that it is not, because the borders around the affected area have the same undisturbed, uniform pattern of red and white paint which can also be seen on the unaffected areas. If it was a chip the white paint on the very end of the border would have been disturbed or not seen at all. this is not the case and it appears to be uniformly painted and glazed. My question is: Is this common to these types of steins? 4. Finally, Mettlach stein # 2958, 3L bowling stein. If anyone has one or knows about this stein please tell me are there suppose to be to black dots on each side of the strap support on the top of the handle? I can't tell if this is part of the design or paint wear or maybe even dirt. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thread and to anyone who can help me with some or all of my questions. I love this site and all the people who have offered their knowledge and help past, present and future! I have been collecting steins for 20 years and still learn alot from SCI members. Prosit Jeff