Pair of Antique Early German Stoneware Westerwald Beer Steins c. The beer steins made before 1850 fall into the “Early” category in terms of beer stein collecting. They are quite rare – at that time, before the Industrial Revolution, the production was all manual. Every stein made in the early period was unique, decorated by hand, and rarely replicated. These two beautiful steins were made in the 1780s – 1790s, they are guaranteed old give or take 10 years. They were made in a traditional style of grey stoneware with cobalt-blue glaze. These are very traditional beer-drinking vessels – a type that was produced for centuries, from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s. The production of saltglazed stoneware beer steins in the Westerwald region of Germany reached the highest quality by the end of the 18th century. The steins are decorated with stylized floral decorations. The decorations are etched into the clay with a sharp instrument. The steins are also glazed with cobalt-blue glaze, fired, and saltglazed. Both steins have no lids – it looks like they were unlidded from the beginning or the lids were removed at some point. Both steins have no cracks, major chips, or repairs. The stein on the right has a small chip on the upper rim, the one on the left is in excellent condition. The inscriptions on the bottom are the museum notes and inventory numbers from the Schlossmuseum. They could be easily removed if needed. The taller stein is 6″ tall 0.75 L capacity, the other one is 5.5″ tall, 0.5L capacity. Condition: One excellent, one w/small chip. Height: taller 6 in. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With.