Raise a glass to these 12 most valuable American and German beer steins. Read on to learn more about the most sought-after beer steins and the amazing prices they command.
With their elegant designs, rich history, and rarity, beer steins have become a beloved symbol of German and American culture. Used for both special occasions and everyday gatherings, these stunning vessels stand out from ordinary beer mugs with their unique charm and timeless appeal. Since Germans have been crafting beer steins for centuries, it's no surprise that many are incredibly valuable.
Finding one in pristine condition would not only make you the envy of your friends, but it could also make you some serious money. To truly understand the incredible worth of these beer steins, we've curated a list of the top 12 most valuable American and German beer steins ever sold at auction. Get ready to be amazed!
Brief Overview Of Antique Beer Steins
Before going out and investing in an antique beer stein, it’s essential to know something about the history and styles of these drinking vessels so that you know you are getting the real deal. Humans have been drinking beer since 5000 BCE; however, beer steins did not appear until the 14 century, when German officials mandated them.
Earthenware was the material for the earliest beer steins, featuring a hinged lid and a thumb lift fixed to the top. A new model was introduced, featuring a stone as the primary material and a pewter or silver lid to prevent the beer from stale.
By the mid-17th century, German elites hunted for more elaborate beer steins crafted from silver, glass, and pewter. These sophisticated vessels were produced in Koblenz, Bavaria, and Koln.
During the mid-19th and 20th centuries, stoneware beer steins made a comeback, featuring a variety of characteristics such as:
- White clay extracted from the Koln region was a popular material for crafting beer steins during the Renaissance period.
- To embellish these steins, craftsmen used intricate relief decorations.
- The steins were typically glazed in a unique gray color achieved by adding salt to the firing process.
- Some steins boasted inlaid porcelain lids as a luxurious touch, elevating their overall design.
Top 12 Most Valuable American and German Beer Steins
Let's look at some of the most valuable beer steins from the United States and Germany.
1. The 17th-Century American Tankard
This is the most valuable beer stein; it auctioned for $140,000 and had the following features:
- Beer tankard
- Manufactured in the 17th century
- American-style
- Made of silver
2. The 1715 Meissen Stein
This is the most valuable beer stein of the 18th century. It auctioned $26,400 and had the following features.
- Porcelain stein
- Made in the 18th century
- German-made
- Features a hand-painted goldcrest
3. The 1900 German Regimental Stein
This is the most valuable beer stein of the 1900s. It is valued at $6,313 and has the following features.
- Regimental stein
- Designed in 1900
- German-style
- Historically significant
- Features rare body and lid
4. Hildebrandt Dracula Character Beer Stein
This one is for you if you are looking for the most valuable German/American beer stein. The Stein is priced at $500 and has the following features.
- Rare figural stein
- Designed in 1995
- Made in Germany
- Made of ceramic
- Depicts a Dracula image by Greg Hildebrandt
5. The 1981 Budweiser Clydesdale Snowy Woodlands Stein
Valued at $90, this is the most valuable Budweiser stein. The following are some of its features.
- Vintage American beer stein
- Produced in 1981
- Part of a limited Christmas holiday series
- Original production
6. Antique Mettlach Etched German Stein with Inlaid Lid
Villeroy and Boch Co, one of the most renowned German stein manufacturers, manufactured this beer stein. The exceptional steins showcased ornate designs that portrayed British colonial actions in Egypt in the 19th century. The stein is approximated to be worth about $495.50 and has the following features.
- Produced in Germany
- Manufacture in the 20th century
- Etched beer stein design
- Decorations depicting the British colonization of Egypt
7. The 1920s Rein Zinn WWI Spiked Helmet Beer Stein
Valued at $330, this is one unique beer stein. Rein Zinn crafted this stein in the 20th century using various materials, such as metal, ceramics, ivory, wood, and stone.
The stein featured an eye-catching design of soldiers on horseback and some textual elements, but it had a loose lid and a chipped base. Despite these flaws, its worth was still respectable. The following are some of its features.
- Manufacturered in Rein Zinn
- Produced in Germany
- Manufactured in the 20th century
- Etched beer stein
- Features a WWI spiked helmet lid
8. Hauber & Reuther Etched Beer Stein
The German manufacturer Hauber & Reuther produced the etched beer steins in the 1900s. Crafted from stoneware, these steins boasted intricate embellishments, typically adorned with a pewter lid. The Stein is valued at $319.95 and has the following features.
- Manufactured in Hauber & Reuther
- Produced in Germany
- Manufacture in the 19th century
- Etched beer stein design
- Decorations portraying a beer party
9. Regensburg Beer Stein
Named after the city where it originated, the Regensburg beer stein is a distinctive mug combining stoneware with a press-molded wooden shape. On eBay, a Regensburg beer stein in beige, produced around 1800, was listed for sale at $149.95. The following are some of the features of the stein.
- Manufactured in Regensburg
- Produced in Germany
- Manufactured during the 19th century
- Regensburg stein design
- Boasting vine and petal decorations along the edges of its lids
10. Marzi & Remy Etched German Stein
In 1897, Anton Marzi and Simon Peter Remy founded Marzi & Remy in Höhr, Westerwald. While the company closed its doors in 1994, it crafted many timeless beer steins during its heyday. The Stein is valued at $199.95 and has the following features.
- Manufactured in Marzi & Remy
- Produced in Germany
- Manufactured in the 1900s
- Etched beer stein design
- Features an image depicting three traveling musicians
11. Antique German Stoneware Lidded Beer Stein Marked ‘P’
Valued at $295, it is one of the unique beer steins out there. This piece is a prototype, as indicated by the ‘P' marking on its outer bottom. While the sides of the stein have yellowed with age, the resulting patina is still quite appealing.
12. Antique Germany WWI Spike Helmet Beer Stein
Although the mug could be crafted from various materials such as metal, ivory, wood, or stone, the lid was typically fashioned from pewter. Flat lids were highly desirable due to their ease of carving, which allowed for more elaborate decoration. This stein manufactured in the 1920s is valued at $330.
Bottom Line
There you have it! Those are 12 of the most valuable American and German beer steins. While they are all rare and sought after, many more examples of beautiful and unique beer steins exist. Always research before investing big in any collectible, and you’ll be sure to find a great piece to add to your collection.
