You are ordering this Mettlach, 2001 G, antique, occupational German Beer Stein. Catalogued as “Book Spines for Engineers”. This one produced in 1897. The inlay represents a cog or gear with flowers interwoven. The book spines are of turn of the 20th century texts that would have been mandatory reading for an engineer at the time. The books depicted on the stein are Life of George Stephenson by Sam Smiles, dated 1881; Life of Robert Stephenson by Jeaffreson & Pole dated 1864; sours de Construction by Minard, dated Paris 1816; Technisches Wörterbuch (Technical Dictionary) by Karmarsch; Life of James Watt: Handbuch der Ingenieurwissenschaft (Handbook of Engineering Knowledge); Kleinere Schriften by Engerth; Technolog Jahresberichte (Technological Annual Report) by Rudolf von Wagner; Polytechnisches Journal (Technical Journal) by Zeman & Fischer; Deutsche Industrie (German Industry); and Waffenbau (Making Weapons) by Hagen. Decoration and design of the book spine series is attributed to the famous Mettlach artist, Otto Hupp. One of a series of 12 book spine steins to celebrate important, turn of the 20th century, German professions. This series is becoming harder and harder to find in very good or better condition. Figural thumblift features an owl perched on a stack of books, representing knowledge and wisdom associated with learning the engineering trade. Perfect gift for a graduating engineering student as a historical link to their past profession. A very special birthday, Christmas, or anytime gift for the hard working engineer in your world. Looks amazing on your engineer’s desk or bookcase. More Mettlach and antique / collectible beer steins in my store. Thank you for visiting Big Deal’s General Store! Pricing considers the condition and scarcity of the item and is set after a review of current market trends. We love both new and returning customers! I will be happy to help to make sure you everything goes as smoothly as possible. I want you to have your item as soon as possible. I have unfortunately felt the devastation of ordering a valuable collectible, only to have it horribly packaged and arrive in pieces. I do not want that to happen to your item, ever. If this item is needed sooner. Please message me to discuss additional costs based on when you need it by. Please save my store to your favorites, check out what is in stock today, and check back soon to see what is new! The majority of my items are either consignments or estate items.