German Stoneware Beer Stein with Pewter Lid – “Gerste und Hopfen” Relief, Mold Number 486

This richly decorated German stoneware beer stein dates to the late 19th or early 20th century and features a striking blue and grey salt-glazed finish with a classic pewter lid. The front and sides are adorned with deeply embossed designs of hop vines and barley stalks—symbolic nods to the stein’s theme: “Gerste und Hopfen” (Barley and Hops).

The raised inscription wraps around the body of the stein and reads:

• “Gerste und Hopfen” – Barley and hops

• “Gönnt der Trank aus” – The drink bestows

• “Nahrungsstoffen der Besten” – The finest of nutrients

This romantic ode to beer reflects 19th-century German ideals of brewing as both a cultural staple and a source of nourishment.

Features:

• Material: Salt-glazed stoneware body with cobalt blue highlights

• Lid: Pewter domed lid with acorn finial and foliate embossing, thumb lift in the form of a stylized leaf

• Handle: Scroll handle, typical of steins from the Westerwald region

• Markings: Mold number 486 stamped into the base

• Size: Approx. 1/2 liter

Condition:

Excellent structural integrity with only minor age-related surface wear. The lid is well-secured and the hinge functions properly. No chips or cracks in the ceramic body. Crisp detail throughout the relief decoration.

Historical Note:

Steins like this were produced in the Westerwald region of Germany, which was renowned for its high-quality stoneware. The number 486 corresponds to a mold used by several major manufacturers between the late 1800s and early 1900s. The imagery and inscriptions speak to the cultural and nutritional value Germans placed on beer at the time.

Display Suggestions:

Perfect for collectors of German breweriana, steins, or historical ceramics. This piece displays beautifully on its own or within a curated collection of early 20th-century German drinking vessels. It also makes a thoughtful gift for lovers of traditional beer culture.