This stein is for the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 6th Company, garrisoned in Saargemunde. It is a Bavarian Regiment (lion, white and blue). The Reservist served for two years instead of the normal three, so he was apparently a volunteer or had a special skill which entitled him to a shorter period of service. I have to believe that the photo portrait is of the soldier himself.

Infantry regimentals are the most common branch of service, and Bavarian the most common of the infantry. Unless I miss something special about the stein, it is not worth a lot of money even in perfect condition, and the highly visible rim chip further detracts from its value.

Assuming this is indeed a portrait of your great grandfather, I urge you to keep it as a family treasure. It is irreplaceable to you.

I am reluctant to try to place a value on your stein primarily because I do not collect this type. As I mentioned, the chip is pretty distracting, so value will be modest. Other collectors do watch this forum, so perhaps one of them who is interested will venture a value.

Michael, I wish to disagree with your statement. In fact MANY young (and old) men did serve in the armed forces in the 20th Century–particularly in 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. It’s very possible that this infantry man whose active duty ended in 1905 was called back in 1914.