Antique Early German Brown Earthenware Beer Stein Birnkrug Bunzlau dated 1781. Description: In the next few days I will be posting a small collection of three very similar Bunzlau beer steins that differ only in size. This one is the middle in size. 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” 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 ring was intended to support the pedestal from chipping, the handle strap supports the handle and is very typical for Bunzlau Birnkruge. The lid is engraved with the original owner’s initials: F. Please note – this is the original engraving, stein was made in 1781 or a little earlier. The stein is large and impressive – it stands 12 tall to the top of the thumblift, with approx. Over 2 Liter 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 almost excellent condition, and the appearance is great. There is a small crack in the pedestal that is secured by the foot ring. Otherwise there are no cracks or chips or any other repairs. Some age-related glaze and pewter wear only. This is a fantastic condition overall for a stein over 200 years old. It is very impressive and elegant and a true historical piece that carries almost 250 years of both culture and technology. Condition: Excellent with small chip at the foot secured by foot ring. Get images that make Supersized seem small. Track Page Views With.