This topic contains 12 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by John Piet 2 weeks ago.
-
Posts
-
-
The 01/04/1895 Philadelphia Times article states C. H. Reiser operated a popular restaurant at that location. Perhaps he got his beer from Soulas or had another connection to him. They both probably belonged to the German-American Society.
-
-
asteenbeeke & Ron… I acquired the same exact Stein today. It’s so old and has the number 16 under the Stein of which I haven’t any idea what “16” means? Well,if this comment reaches you all. asteenbeeke, that means you’re not alone. LOL!
-
Dane,
If the bottom of your stein has two concentric circles along with the number 16, it was probably made by Edwin Bennett Pottery of Baltimore. He usually marked his wares, but not his beer steins as he did not drink. See my article in the December 2017 Prosit on the Bennett Brothers and American Pottery. The number indicates the number of ounces the mug held. The number 16 would be for 16 ounces.
-
Gus was Charles’ brother. To the best of my knowledge the brothers operated separate businesses. They operated around the same time, however, Charles had the support of the brewer John Betz. Charles benefited from having his Rathskeller located in the basement of the Betz Building and its premiere location across from City Hall.
Very little is known about Gustav’s business as I believe it was short lived.
Best, Charles Soulas
-
-
Hi, I saw one of those steins today and was thinking of buying it. It was $110. I thought that was a little steep. Since you guys are familiar, is that fair? It has a dented lid but no chips or cracks.
-
Jim,
if the stein fits into your collection, or you really like it and feel you really want it to keep, and not resell for profit, then go ahead and buy it. If you are looking for a bargain to resell, then you need to do some research on the stein’s sale history.-
Hi John, thanks for the response. I was looking at it as a personal collector piece. I’m not a “stein guy” but I am a brewery/beer collector. I also live in Philly so it has a local connection as well. I just don’t want to get taken to the cleaners n the price. Thanks again for the input.
Jim
-
-
Jim, it’s hard to judge value without knowing the extent of the pewter damage. If it’s a minor dent, then the asking price is probably at the upper limit of “fair.” A substantial dent will make it less appealing to other collectors, so $110 would likely be high. Being from Philly and interested in breweries increases it’s appeal to you. Have you tried to negotiate a better price? Most sellers expect to haggle.
-
Hi Walt. I didn’t try to negotiate a price when I was physically in the store looking at it. I think I’m going to call them and see if they’d take a lower offer (maybe $90) with a mention of the dented lid. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
-
I have a Soulas Rothskeller Betz Bldg Phila beer stein in absolutely perfect condition. It has been on a shelf in my family’s home for generations. I was thinking of giving it to someone who lives in our home town in N.J. who loves things like this and collects them because I am simply clearing out things. Before jumping off the cliff, I’d like to know what a perfect condition one might be worth since I see dented ones are valued at around $110. . . Thanks.
-
Mardell,
There are four on ebay now asking $60-$100. Follow those auctions to get an idea of what yours is worth.