Stein Collectors International

~ The Basic Marks - Stoneware and Pottery ~

This article shows many of the most common trademarks found on stoneware or pottery beer steins. Most of these marks were published in Prosit between 1982 and 1985, but the identification and cataloguing of marks is an ongoing effort. For beer stein collectors, the definitive source for the identification of marks is Chris Wheeler's website, Stein Marks.

The trademarks shown below are in pseudo-alphabetic order by factory name. These marks are found on the base of the stein, typically accompanied by the form number and other marks. It's important to note whether marks were incised (impressed into the base when the clay was still "green"), or stamped in ink. Form numbers are also sometimes found on the body of the stein, behind or below the handle, and these marks may be either raised or impressed.
Adolf Diesinger (Höhr)
D.R.G.M. 154927
from 1901		 Incised. This mark is actually a reference to a patent taken out by Adolf Diesinger in 1901.
Dümler & Breiden (Höhr)
- - - - 1900 - ~1930 - - - -
Incised.
Eckhardt & Engler (Höhr-Grenzhausen)
 
from 1918 from 1971
Incised
Simon Peter Gerz (Sessenbach)
from ~1900 Modern
Incised

Gesetzlich Geschutzt
Geschutzt
 These common marks are not trademarks, and cannot be used to identify a manufacturer. They variously mean "Legally Protected", "Protected", "Patented"
Matthias Girmscheid (Höhr)
from the 1880's Modern
The first two marks are incised, the third is painted. Many of these steins are signed by KB (Killian Beuller) or GK (unknown).
Reinhold Hanke (Höhr)
1900-1930s 1900-1938

Hauber & Reuther (Freising)
- - - - 1887 - c. 1910 - - - -
  		Incised (on stoneware) or stamped (on porcelain). First catalogued by Master Steinologist Mike Wald in his book, HR Steins.
Marzi & Remy (Höhr)
1879 - 1964
- - - - Modern - - - -
Incised
Merkelbach & Wick (Grenzhausen)
1879-1921
Incised. Frequently found only partially impressed, but easily recognized by its shape and characteristic flourish in the letters.
Reinhold Merkelbach (Grenzhausen)
R.MERKELBACH
GRENZHAUSEN
1882-1933 from ~1900 from ~1903
from ~1909 1916-1945 1945-1964
REINH. MERKELBACH
HÖHR-GRENZHAUSEN
from 1936 1964-1968
Incised.
Marks from this factory are easily recognized, consisting primarily of the combination of RM  (Reinhold Merkelbach), and G (Grenzhausen).

From 1972 to 1988 this firm was part of Goebel Group. During this time some limited edition reproductions of Jugendstil period steins were produced, as well as saltglazed items in the scratch-decorated style. They now are independent once again, although operating on a very limited scale.
Mettlach (more accurately, Villeroy & Boch at Mettlach)
1842-1860 1852-1873 1873-1883
1874-1909 1883-1931 1893-1930
Three marks in the top row are applied. The first and third marks in the second row are stamped in ink. The middle mark in the second row is incised.

The name Mettlach refers specifically to the factory of Villeroy and Boch in the small town of Mettlach.
See the separate article on Mettlach marks.
Rastal (Höhr-Grenzhausen)

modern
 Decal. This company makes many steins today as well as glasses with brewery logos.
J. W. Remy (Höhr)
from 1900
Incised.
Albert Jacob Thewalt (Höhr)
1893-1896 1897-1918 1918-1930 from 1930
Incised.
Villeroy & Boch (Dresden)
1874-1909
Stamped.