~ Sei frohen Muths ~
This sturdy stoneware stein with applied relief, thumb lift and hinge is in the Biedermeier style ca. 1840. Everything about the stein, including the inscription on the lid, "20 VI 1840", indicates the early date. However, the capacity mark in liters was not used in Germany until after 1872. Since use of the metric system was made compulsory in France in 1837, this stein could have been produced for France, or in a French controlled part of Germany.
 
Sei frohen Muths Be in a cheerful mood.
 
 
Translation: Roy De Selms
Photo credit: Unknown