Antique German Character Beer Stein – Nun by Merkelbach and Wick #270 c. Description: This very interesting German beer stein belongs to the family of character steins – steins made in a shape of an object or person. They are also called “figural”. This particular one is made in a shape of a happy smiling nun. H er head forms the lid. Made of the very tan pottery with pewter mounts. The nun character steins are relatively rare – there were many differ ent monk steins made by various manufacturers in the late 1800 s – early 1900s but only few nuns. The monk (and nun) character steins were very popular in Germany because usually the monasteries and monks were associated with beer brewing and drinking. The stein is m ade of the very traditional pottery with pewter mounts. The stein is in excellent mint condition. It is 7 tall to the top of the head, 0,5L capacity. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With.