A German Beer Stein: Materials used in Manufacturing

Quintessentially, a question for every beer stein connoisseur: what is it made of? Let’s look at history to find the answer.

Wooden beer steins

A German beer stein in earlier times was finished out of natural materials like pure wood or stoneware. These beer steins were distributed among the patrons in the inns or pubs. These were not sturdy and never lasted long. They would putrefy easily, crack, and break eventually.

Stoneware steins

As the earthenware beer steins were porous, the material soaked the beer, which gave off a stench subsequently.  The ceramic steins are also present from the initial times, but their prices were escalated, so that very few people owned any piece.

Opening up of breweries

In the early 1500 century, unanticipated effects during the period of Black Death led to the surplus of grains after the harvest. As the population had been so devastated, there were plentiful supply of raw materials for the beer. Consequentially, this led to opening of 600 brewers in the place named Hamburg. This led to the incessant surge in demand for German beer steins.

Stoneware with a lid

The traditional German steins in stoneware from baked clay were recovered from the province of Germany. They were invented to deflect the Black Plague and were with a pewter lid. To get the drink, a lever was attached for mounting the lid. A hinge was coupled with this lid so that it would not get misplaced.

Durability of steins

From the beginning era of the 14th century, manufacturing of beer steins from clear salt glaze and the blue glaze was in vogue, which used chemical cobalt oxide to increase the life of these steins.

The pewter stein

During 16th century, pewter beer stein supplies were rolled out with increased production ability.

The silver and glass steins

During that era, the glass beer steins were relatively new to the market. They were produced, designed, and styled only for affluent communities. The escalated pricing structure of glass beer stein, made it unaffordable for the average Germans to have their hands on them.

Interruption in production of Porcelain

Disturbances in China were the grounds for problems in the Ming Empire and consequently disrupted the supply of porcelain production. The gap thus played a catalyst for creation of an option in Germany. A new item was created called Faience, which is an earthenware coated over with tin oxide, which gave a glaze similar to the white porcelain.

Porcelain German beer steins

The 17th century saw the introduction of the use of real porcelain material in German beer stein manufacturing. However, the pricing of the steins were still not affordable.

The etched pewter beer steins and porcelain steins weren’t used widely due to the pricing factor, but they took the shape of a tall cylindrical outer shell that is the mainstay until today.

The Makings of Your Collectible German Beer Stein

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.

Steps to Select German Beer Steins

German beer steins forever have been great gift items and are treasured by generations as one of the most prized collectible items. This is apparent from the myriad of types, styles, and shapes of beer steins for sale that are available. In the midst of this wide array, you may get lost in selecting the right stein, which will be preferred as a precious gift or as a collectible piece. Here are a few guidelines to help you to select the best stein from the choices available.

Initiate the selection

To initiate the selection process, first decide for whom you are picking it – for yourself or as a gift.  Consider the choice and interest of the person you are buying it for or just think and visualize what you like the most. Your steins can be picked in relation to these ideas.

Selection by location

The first option is to choose the steins according to the location. It can be due to your extreme fondness, attachment, or some deeper connection to a specific region or a city of Germany. Conceivably, this can be a memento of a good vacation or a beautiful trip in Germany. Well, if you are buying it as a gift, keep in mind the location where he or she is connected.

Selection by Castles

The countless beer steins for sale can be found in an array of beautiful German castles. These gorgeous citadels narrate a tale of a particular locale and are a great way to recall your eternal vacation in Europe or simply your love for the place.

Selection by one’s interests

You can also select beer steins according to your likings, interests, hobbies, profession or base it on your intrinsic personality and passions.  German steins are presented in so many different themes, styles, and patterns, intricate designs that you will be spoilt for choice. You are bound to get your beautiful authentic German stein of your choice. The steins are sorted under the following category:

• Stein  sorted by Hobby.
  The steins are offered in hunting, fishing, modes of transport, brewery  love or just simple friends theme, which will attract the eye’s of the beholder instantly.
• Stein sorted by Occupation
  Steins are available on common occupations themes of people including a chemist, or a farmer, a brave firefighter, professional lawyer, a medical personnel – as a doctor or nurse, a soldier, postman, or musician, and loads of others.
• Stein sorted by themes
  The steins are available in an assortment of themes to gratify varied tastes of people like a dog theme for pet lovers. If you are fond of wild life, you can opt for wildlife themes. A sports enthusiast can select sports steins available in choices like soccer player, dart game, bowling, golfing, shooting, and hiking trail, aerobics or gymnastics, and tennis themes.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, don’t wait. Just grab your pick from these adorably beautiful collectible beer steins for sale!