~ Early Stoneware Steins ~ Collecting Beer Steins - An Introduction to the Hobby

Stoneware steins date from the late 15th Century in Germany. The factories that produced the stoneware steins were located near suitable clay deposits and timber (fuel) supplies. 

The clay was thrown on a potter's wheel and kiln fired at 1200 degrees centigrade which caused the clay to vitrify into a dense non-porous material similar to stone. Often, a clear glaze was applied to the stein during firing by vaporizing salt crystals in the kiln. Although, sometimes a colored glaze was also applied to the stein just prior to firing. 

Large deposits of clay were found near the confluence of the Mosel with the Rhein River in the Westerwald region, along with a good supply of timber. Because of these factors, the greatest quantities of steins with the longest time span of production come from this region. These steins are generally found with blue, gray, and purple decoration under a clear salt glaze. The decoration is generally rhythmic. Often, there is an applied or incised animal or floral arrangement around the body of the stein. 

The lids were pewter with either a small, shell-shaped or other thin thumblift on the earlier steins, or a hollow-soldered-ball thumblift on the 18th century examples. Touchmarks are often found on the lids of these steins and can be helpful in dating these pieces. Many of the more ornate Westerwald steins also have a pewter footring to protect the base from chipping, thus adding to the complexity of the piece. 

Stein production continues in the Westerwald area with many limited editions currently being produced. They are generally well marked and often dated so as not to be confused with their antique ancestors.