German pottery stein by Matthias Girmscheid. Modeled as a monkey with top hat and pipe. Marked 828 to the base. Matthias Girmscheid was born in 1845 to merchant parents and began his working life in the family tradition, opening his own trading firm in 1870 in the town of Höhr. Girmscheid’s manufacturing company began it’s life in 1884 and was apparently engaged initially in the manufacture of clay pipes. It is not known precisely when Girmscheid expanded his operation to include the manufacture of beer steins and related stoneware products, but by 1903 the firm was listed as a “stoneware factory”. In 1920, in what was almost certainly a response to Germany’s difficult post-war economy, Girmscheid merged with the firm of Gilles & Sohn. In 1930, two years following the death of Matthias Girmsched, the composition of the firm changed again. The new firm was called Girmscheid, Michels & Company, and included among its owners: Karl Girmscheid, who had taken over for his father; Simon Gilles, of Gilles & Sohn; and Alfons and Eduard Michels. Following the death of Karl Girmscheid in 1950, the company went through a series of ownership changes, but it continues in operation today, enjoying a healthy business focused principally on the manufacture of traditional salt-glazed tableware and decorative items. Good Condition – Gentle wear. 5.5″ x 4″ x 8.25 (Width x Depth x Height). The sooner you pay, the sooner you get your item. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We do are very best to package and secure all our items so they make safe trips to their new homes. We strive to get your items delivered in the most safe and cost effective manner. Add a map to your own listings.