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Preliminary identification

Thewalt German Beer Stein, Mold #1984

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic cobalt blue relief-decorated stoneware beer stein featuring traditional Alpine scenes and a conical pewter lid.

Story

The rhymes inscribed on this vessel tell a story of the simple, rugged joys of the Bavarian Alps: hunting the chamois (Gams) on the mountain walls and finding a sweetheart (Schatz) in the high pastures.

Maker / Origin

The Thewalt family began their pottery tradition in 1893 in Höhr-Grenzhausen, a town famous for its rich salt-glazed stoneware deposits.

Condition & Value

The stoneware appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks in the relief work. The pewter lid shows a light patina consistent with age, and the hinge appears functional. The base shows minor shelf wear which is typical for a piece of this age. Excellent condition for this type of item.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD