~ Landstreicher - Zunft ~
 
This transfer and hand enameled stein is marked with (V&B) mold number 1909 and dated 1894. The body was probably made by Villeroy & Boch and decorated elsewhere. In the 1890's Switzerland had a population of about 3 million and there were about 250,000 or 8% were homeless or wanderers. Unfortunately the world over still has this problem to varying degrees. There are also organizations that have formed that help the homeless and this stein is most likely representative of one such group. Note the vagabond hat thumb lift and decor and the stylized Edelweiß flowers.
 
Landstreicher - Zunft

Zürich - 1892
Vagabond - Guild

Zürich (Switzerland) - 1892
 
 
Translation: Roy De Selms
Photo credit: Unknown