Antique German Mettlach V&B Etched Beer Stein #2886 Politics in a Tavern c. Made in “etched” technique, the famous Mettlach etched production that made it so famous. The exceptionally crafted etched technique decoration humorously refers to a people discussing politics in taverns. It shows a picture of several men – apparently some notable people – sitting at a table in the tavern, reading newspaper and discussing political news. The innkeeper is standing near. Die Honoratioren des Dorfes, hier sie schwelgen bei Politik und Bier. Den grössten Profit an der Diskussion trägt der Wirt durch die Zeche davon. The notables of the village indulge here in politics and beer. The greatest profit of the discussion goes to the innkeeper, who presents the bill. There is a poster on the wall with the name of a fictitious brewery: “Berl Brau”. It shows a rat chewing on a newspaper. The design of the stein was made by an artist signed “MC”. It is not known in the stein collector’s community who exactly is this artist. He seems to create artwork for several steins including 2886, 2887, 2888 and 2889 – and also 2833A, 2833B, C and D – these are from the same series that illustrates most popular songs of the time. The men on the picture are portrayed with many details – you can notice the clothing details, facial impressions etc. In fact, there are very few Mettlach pieces that show contemporary subject without caricature. The stein is fully marked at the bottom with Mettlach tower mark, mold number 2886 and 07 or the year of production of 1907. The lid is made of pewter – it is different from a more common inlaid lid. There are signs of strap repair – I don’t know if the lid is original or replacement but it is in line with contemporary Mettlach pewter lids. The pewter lids at the time were more expensive than inlaid ones. This lid is a heavy very ornate pewter lid – a work of art by itself. It is engraved with the original owner name: Wilh. The stein is 9.25 tall to the top of the finial, 0.5L capacity. The body is in mint condition. Condition: Body mint, pewter strap repair. Height: 9.25 in. Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. Track Page Views With.