A character stein (also referred to as a figural stein) is a stein with a shape designed to represent an object, person, or animal. It is a style category as opposed to a materials category. Although figural vessels date back to several centuries before the Greeks, true character steins had to await the development of the hinged lid, in the early 1500's. There are stoneware character steins that date from about that period, generally in the form of owls or seated bears. One can only speculate as to why there are so few character steins that pre-date the late 1800's. A popular theory is that demand for whimsical, odd shaped vessels did not warrant the manufacturer's attention until the late 1800's. Another theory is that there was too much effort required to produce these "statuettes" before the introduction, in the late 1800's, of molds that could more easily accommodate such shapes, such as slip molds. Some of the character steins that appeared around the 1850's were bisque porcelain pieces that were made by E. Bohne Soehne of the Thuringen region of Germany. This factory, along with others in Plaue, are believed to be responsible for much of the initial manufacture of character steins.
While many character steins are made of porcelain, there are also other important materials. Next to porcelain the most common is stoneware. Pewter and various other kinds of ceramic round out the character stein materials that are occasionally encountered. This stein shows a hunter in traditional hunting jacket and jaunty, angled cap--holding two very much alive geese. Men’s shooting and hunting costumes came about because these sports were popular pastimes in the nineteenth century and these activities required not only “the kind or form of garments worn by gentlemen who go in search of pleasure to the stubble fields or moorlands, but outfits that were functional. In fact, the main rule when purchasing shooting or hunting costumes was that they be “adaptable for the various movements of the figure … [rather than fit] the taste or whims of the wearers.”
Which brings us to the character on the stein--The famous Gooseman of Nuremberg. The story of the "Goose-Man" dates from before the year 1500. The real-life Gooseman is said to have come from the Garlic Country (Knoblauchland) in the immediate vicinity of Nuremberg. He was reputed to be a drunkard. After he sold his geese, he spent his money on wine and returned home empty-handed, albeit full in other respects. No doubt, this droll peasant was a unique specimen, a well-known "character" of his day. There is a bit of folklore to the effect that on one of his trips to the Goose-market this peasant was so thirsty that he had to quench his urge by drinking water from the beaks of his geese. Hence, to this day Nurembergers refer to water as Goose-Wine (Gänsewein). The world-famous Gänsemännchen (Little Goose-man) Fountain in Nuremberg is a small, but life-like bronze sculpture of a peasant who is holding a goose under each arm. Out of the beaks of the geese spew jets of water into the basin of the fountain. Also, on the upper part and on either side of the base there is a water-spouting fish. The fountain was created in about 1550 and is now located in the Court of the New City Hall, Hauptmarkt 18.
This beautifully hand-painted stein is made of porcelain. One feature of some porcelain steins is the presence of a lithophane--an etched artwork at the bottom of the stein made of very thin translucent porcelain that can be seen clearly when back lit with a light source. This beautiful lithophane shows the hunter's home in exquisite detail--it is one of the finest, most detailed lithophanes I've ever seen. Next the stein has a pewter lid, aged on the outside but shiny and bright on the inside (protected). Note that the handle is smooth, an important characteristic of antique steins.
The stein is in excellent condition with no cracks or chips. The lid works well and is tight. The painting is in excellent condition, bright, detailed, and colorful--the details in the hunter's face are remarkable (and even the geese have fine features)! There is a slight wear at the right tip of the hat, the nose, and the handle (see photos). The stein is approximately 8.5" high, 3.25" in diameter at the base, and 4.25" diameter maximum. It weighs approximately 1 pound, 9 ounces.
Overall, this is a rare and amazing piece of art work, one that will make a fine addition to any collection. I purchased this from an antique dealer in approximately 1981, and it has occupied pride of place in my home for the past 40 years. I hope it does the same in your home for the next 40 years--pieces of history like this should be enjoyed, protected, and appreciated (which is why I try to give detailed backgrounds for the steins I list).
Please note: I currently have an antique regimental stein listed--ebay item number 324483052922 and another character stein (Munich Child and Radish)--ebay item number 324485903344. I've been collecting steins for almost 50 years and am now selling off my collection--expect to see several more listings over the course of this year!
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About me: "daddybeanie" has been my user name since the early days of ebay back in the 1990's. I was (and am) dedicated to my kids, and back in the day I scoured ebay for beanie babies--and travelled from shop to shop, befriending store owners and getting the hot beanie releases of the day. Same with Pokemon cards, Legos, books, coins, Russian nesting dolls, sports memorabilia, and too many other things to count. Eventually kids leave the nest, and I'm now selling off certain items to support new purchases for--you guessed it--grandchildren! As a Dad and a pediatrician, I tend to sprinkle some of my ebay listings with bits of advice for parents--please ignore those if they are not relevant or if you disagree! Thank you for visiting!