Replies to archived posts are not allowed.
From: Phil
Remote Name: 24.52.153.113
I recently picked up this stein set in Salsburg Austria and probably paid way too much. I'm not a collector at all but I was attracted to the style and the fact that it included a large pitcher along with six identical 1/2 liter steins all in near perfect condition.
Since the purchase, I've researched enough to know that the mark on the bottom of each piece is the Merkelbach and Wick circle mark of M&W with GR beneath. I believe they would be considered of the jugendstil style with blue floral decoration around a crest consisting of a field of blue and white diamonds. Each of the small six steins have the 1/2 L capacity mark typical of M&W and a mold number of 464 with the expression "Wohlbekomms" (To your health) inscribed over the crest. The pitcher has no capacity marking but has the phrase "Ein Glas beim Freund ist gut gemeint! (A glass with a friend is well meant!) inscribed on a banner floating over the crest with a mold number of 104.
Since Merkelback and Wick company only produced steins from 1872 to 1921, I'm trying to determine what year this set could have been made. I'm assuming perhaps the late 1890 since the mold number is relatively low (I've seen references to 4 digit mold numbers from M&W on the web), however I would appreciate any additional information anyone might have.
Thanks, Phil