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This is an interesting character/figural stein ca. 1900, marked #633
that has usually been referred to as "Man with Pipe" because that's
exactly what it looks like. However the Dümler & Breiden catalog lists
this as "Deutscher Michel" (German Michael) and can be seen labeled on
the front base of the stein. Michel is a fictional character that
personifies Germans as fun loving gentle people that love gaming,
playing cards, music, singing, smoking and beer drinking, of course.
The mid 19th Century Michel also just wants to be left alone in peace,
but watch out if he is provoked. He is usually portrayed wearing a
night cap, but this is cleverly disguised as also a Phrygian Cap
symbolizing liberty and freedom.
See also: Gesellschaft Deutscher Michel on this site.
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