Traditional Beer Steins Used by Germans
Stein is a German word that means stone hence beer steins are traditional mugs used in beer drinking and were made of stone. Beer steins are bought by some people and kept in their homes as collectibles while others may be offered as souvenirs. These beer containers can be made of glassware, porcelain, wood or crystal though most are made of stoneware.
Craftsmen used stone in the olden days because glass had not yet been introduced. Stone was preferred by stein makers as they could use molds to make a large number of carved Beer Steins. Multiple glass mugs are produced when using glass and artistic drawings can be made on the glass steins. Porcelain can be used to make character steins designed in the shapes of people or items.
Museums in addition to various individuals keep a collection of steins. Most Germans in the military were given these beer steins to use during training. They still kept the mugs even a couple of years later after leaving the military as souvenirs. Those that didn't own beer steins made orders from military shops and used them during the first world war. They were painted military symbols and contained photos or images of those in command.
Fabricating of Steins has since then reduced due to lack of resources used in their manufacture and their minimal use in today's world. Despite this, some companies continued to produce the steins for the sake of tourist industries as most tourists have a soft spot for antiques. More about this are described in the site at http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-stein005.html. Experts are required to identify the differences between original beer steins and those that are counterfeit as distinguishing between the two might be a difficult task.
German steins are valued highly by most people who want to enjoy a cup of beer due to their superior quality. Due to their superior quality, they are rendered expensive in most stalls and companies. German beer steins can be given to lawyers, dentists, doctors, teachers or those who are retiring from a company like a sign of appreciation for working for them. They contain sentimental attachments and keeping them preserved and collecting them may be a person's hobby.
Normal mugs are different from German Beer Steins as they contain lids at the opening of the mugs which may indicate date of manufacture or their age as well as having other engravings that can be used to determine price of the steins. Some steins may have flat pewter lids while others have conical and steeple shapes.
On special occasions, beer steins provide an ideal gift especially for collectors as they can be retained as antiques. Collectors as well as art lovers appreciate them due to their art value.
