Quintessentially a lidded mug that holds beer, the famous German Beer Stein comes with a tiny hinge on the handle, which when pressed with the thumb, opens the lid. This simple mechanism lets users open and close the lid with one hand. While these glasses were traditionally made in stone, today you can find them in various materials such as ceramics, metals and even glass. These steins are famous for their carvings and ornamental designs, making them a popular collectible among travelers.
How are these German Beer Glasses Made?
It is interesting to know that the manufacturing of a German stein in reality starts even before it is designed. Material such as clay can be found in liquid and solid blocks which are placed in an automated machine for softening.
This machine also helps remove the air out of the material so that bubbles are not seen after surface has been fired.
Giving the Stein an Ornamental Touch
This process starts with creating a design and then passing it on to a skilled artisan. German Beer Stein artisans have mastered techniques in intricate workmanship, and this knowledge is passed down for a number of generations.
With the help of modeling clay, the artisan creates a model which is then replicated into a full rubber model. The rubber model is more flexible and durable, hereby allowing the development of the gypsum form mold. It is in this mold that the clay is finally placed in at the centrifuge for the next step.
The centrifuge ensures that the thickness of the German beer glass is uniform and that the clay fills up all the detailed reliefs of the mold to create an ornamental stein.
After this, the form is taken to an area to dry. All exposed seams are scrapped off and the handle is applied. The stein is now ready for the base coat glaze, followed by its first firing which is critical to its bonding and hardening.
After undergoing a controlled cooling process, comes the painting which gives ornamental finishing touches to your collectible steins.
These steins are authentically hand crafted and painted with fine relief detailing and meticulous use of color. Furthermore, most factories allow you to personalize your stein with a crest, coat of arms, logo or pictures if one places bulk orders. These make a great addition to a pub or bar that wishes to follow a specific theme.
The stein is finally complete when a lid is attached it, ready to make an ornamental addition to your travel memorabilia.
Beer Stein from Germany 
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