Bill G

In the Reading Room, Translations Illustrated explains the text: “Viel besser krähet Hahn wenn er die Kehle feuchtet an” (Every rooster crows much better when he wets his throat.) By your descriptions the #1784 sounds like a mold number, and if the festival is painted (not relief) the #25 might be a decoration number. I can’t find a mold number that would match this, but it only means it hasn’t been “found.” Gesetzlich Geschutzt means that the decoration or design is legally protected.

Arthur, your Merkelbach stein was made around 1900 give or take a few years. “Relief” refers to the raised texture on the outside of the stein. Notice the difference with your Mettlach, which is called “etched.” Another common type is smooth with a decal transfer. Mettlach’s version of that is called “print under glaze” or “PUG.” I hope that you keep your steins rather than try to sell them. You have a great beginning for a collection.

I was able to copy and paste to see more of the second stein: It’s produced by the Reinhold Merkelbach factory, #1206. Both are between the rare/common. In terms of values, the Mettlach at mint condition would be $300-400, the relief $60-80.

Arthur, I was only able to see one photo of each stein. The first is certainly Mettlach #1796, and was designed by Christian Warth. That thumblift if very interesting. The other is a relief not made by Mettlach. See if there is a mold number either on the bottom or around the back of the stein.

Just looking back at your lid, maybe there is something that might be used to clean it up a bit. Water wouldn’t hurt it. Any other suggestion from collectors?

Vince, you should not polish the lids–just dust with a soft dry cloth if needed. The patina of the pewter lid is usually appreciated by stein collectors. Often the inside might be shiny while the outside shows age. Look at many of the new steins and notice the shine that generally isn’t on antique steins. I suppose if you had a silver lid (which is unusual) you might want to polish it. Another note: your new stein would be considered a lidless stein.

Vince, I’d say your stein was made around 1900-1910 but some would say after 1914 when cobalt paint was replaced by green. Randy is correct that your stein is not listed in the beer stein library. I strongly encourage you to join that website, beerstein.net to learn more about Girmscheid steins and more. Of course, membership in SCI is valuable to collectors but The Beer Stein Library can be very useful daily. Send some photos of your stein once you’ve joined.

Vince, it’s a wonderful stein. I agree that it appears to be a Girmscheid, but generally they show their mold number. Is there one very weakly on the bottom? I would suggest that you collect old Girmscheids rather than the new ones. You have a great one to start a gnome collection! I’ll look around more to find your stein in a catalog, and you double check the bottom carefully.

Same in Kentucky.

Marko, you have given us ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that would be helpful for information. Please try to post some photos.

Howie, you might want to send your stein photos to the Beer Stein Library for inclusion in the Merkelbach catalog. Send them to info@beerstein.net.