Preliminary identification

Vintage Paulaner Salvator Beer Coasters, Set of 3

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 Doppelbock. The front features a colorful illustration of Brother Barnabas presenting a stein of beer to Elector Karl Theodor, while the reverse displays the 'Historie vom Salvator' written in traditional German Fraktur script.

Story

In 1780, Munich's ruler tasted a strong beer brewed by Paulaner monks to sustain their Lenten fast. He loved it so much he legalized its public sale, sparking the global tradition of strong spring Doppelbocks.

Maker / Origin

The Paulaner Brewery was established in 1634 by the Minim friars of the Neudeck ob der Au cloister in Munich. Named after Francis of Paola, the founder of the order, the monks brewed beer for their own consumption during Lent, which eventually evolved into one of Munich's six official Oktoberfest breweries.

Condition & Value

The coasters are in very good vintage condition with light toning consistent with age. There are no major water stains, tears, or heavy wear, suggesting they were kept as souvenirs rather than heavily used in a tavern. Excellent preservation of the colors.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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.

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
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.