Antique Large Early German Brown Earthenware Beer Stein Birnkrug Bunzlau c. Description: This is the fourth of the small collection of Bunzlau steins I post – it is the largest by far. Presented is a rare example of early German pottery made around the late-1700s. This high-fired earthenware brown-glazed beer stein was made in Bunzlau – a town in Lower Silesia. In fact, all the pottery production from small towns in Lower Silesia is called “Bunzlau” – there are no distinctive features to differentiate them. Every German region (and almost every town) that was known to make pottery had its own unique technologies and trade secrets. That’s why we can determine where a particular piece was made based on the appearance, style, and type of the pottery. The steins of this kind were called “Birnkruge” or “Pear-shaped steins” because of their pear-like shape They are glazed with glossy lead-based chocolate-brown glaze that was typical (and unique) for Bunzlau. The pewter lid is dome-shaped with a hollow ball thumblift. The pewter foot and lip rings were intended to support the pedestal and the neck from chipping and cracking. The stein is very large and impressive – it stands 15 tall to the top of the thumblift, with a 3L capacity. A very similar but smaller stein is featured in Gary Kirsner’s “The Beer Stein Book” on page 40 pic. The stein is in excellent condition, and the appearance is great. There is no cracks or chips or any other repairs. Some age-related glaze and pewter wear only. You can see some glaze crazing on the inside but it is not cracks since they don’t show on the outside. It is very impressive and elegant and a true historical piece that carries almost 250 years of both culture and technology. Please check my store. Condition: Excellent with a small crack at the neck secured by the neck ring. Get images that make Supersized seem small. Track Page Views With.