Antique Large Very Early German Beer Stein Bartmann Bellarmine Frechen circa late 1600 – early 1700s. Description: This beer stein is one of the oldest beer drinking vessels. It dates back to the years of late 1600s – early 1700s and was made in the town of Frechen – one of the most important centers of early stoneware production in Germany. The tradition of “Bartmann” or “Bearded man” beer steins began in mid 1400s in the town of Cologne – another important stoneware production center in Renaissance period Germany. It became so popular that every town in Rheinland that was involved in pottery produced their own version for almost two hundred years. There are very similar Bartmann beer steins produced in Raeren, Siegburg, etc. The stein is made of brown saltglazed stoneware. The bearded face was made on a separate medallion and applied. There is also two impressed horse-shoe images underneath that looks like woman’s breasts. It looks like some jokester ordered the impressions for a good luck and also as a naughty joke. The bearded man steins from Frechen are the most classical of all the Bartmann pieces. They were produced for over a century and exported in large quantities to England, Scandinavia and the New World. The stein is in excellent condition for about 300 – 350 years old. Most of the Bartmannskruege are repaired or restored. This one has no structural damage and no repairs and no major cracks. There are some glaze chipping spot in the body and some minor surface crazing. Just very minor age-related wear. Other than that – no problems. This size is larger than usual and the condition is extremely rare. This is a beautiful and very impressive piece that has about 400 years behind it! I guarantee my description and my dating. I hav attached a picture from the late Johannes Vogt beer stein catalog – it shows a very similar stein. The stein very large and heavy is 13.5 tall (34 cm), 7 lb of weight. Condition: Excellent (see description). Height: 13.5 in. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Breweriana, Beer\Drinkware, Steins\Lidded Steins\Germany”. The seller is “beer-stein” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.