~ Occupational Steins ~ Collecting Beer Steins - An Introduction to the Hobby

Occupational steins date from the 1800's to about 1930. 

Generally, these steins are porcelain and feature a wrap-around transfer scene depicting an individual working in his trade or simply the tools of his trade. However, occupational steins can be found of stoneware (Villeroy & Boch produced a series), glass, pewter, etc. The lithophane in porcelain occupational steins generally reflect the owner's trade, a drinking scene or royalty.

Scarcity of specific steins relates to the number of individuals there were in a particular occupation. For instance, farmer and baker steins are common while shepherd and goldsmith steins are less available.