Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a charming set of three vintage double-sided cardboard beer coasters (Bierdeckel) celebrating Paulaner's famous Salvator double bock. The front features a classic, colorful illustration of a Paulaner monk presenting a foaming stein of beer to Karl Theodor, Elector of Bavaria, while the reverse displays the poetic 'Historie vom Salvator' in traditional German blackletter script.
Story
In 1780, Bavarian Elector Karl Theodor tasted a strong spring beer brewed by the Paulaner monks and was so delighted he declared it a royal favorite. This very meeting is immortalized on these coasters, celebrating the historic birth of the doppelbock style.
Maker / Origin
The Paulaner Brewery was established in 1634 by the Minim friars of the Neudeck ob der Au cloister in Munich. The monks brewed a strong beer called 'Sankt Vater' (later Salvator) to sustain themselves during the strict fasting of Lent, inadvertently creating one of Germany's most celebrated brewing traditions.
Condition & Value
The coasters are in excellent vintage condition with no visible water stains, cup rings, or heavy foxing. There is very minor edge wear and light toning consistent with age, suggesting they were kept as collector's items rather than used in a tavern. Excellent unused condition commands a premium among breweriana collectors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.