For auction is a 2-liter German hand-painted stoneware beer stein (Stein Krug or Steingut in German) with a pewter lid.  I believe that this stein dates from before WWII.  The stein measures 16" (40.6 cm) tall by 5-1/4" diameter at the base, and has a capacity of 2 liters.  It is marked on the bottom with "Germany", "1163" (the mold number), "2L" and "2".  Expertly painted in beautiful colors with a tavern scene of men finger wrestling, with their women cheering them on.

The verse on the stein reads as follows:
I believe that this stein dates from before WWII and, likely, from the 1920's or 1930's.  This is because the mark "Germany" was used between 1887 (when the German Merchandise Marks Act was passed requiring that goods be marked with the country of origin) until 1946 (when Germany was divided after WWII, at which time goods from the non-communist zone were typically marked "Western Germany").  The mark "Germany" was then used again after 1990 when Germany was reunited.  

I have personally owned this stein since the mid-1970's, so I can absolutely guarantee that it was not produced since Germany was reunited, suggesting that it is most likely pre-1946.  The quality of the workmanship suggests that it dates from the early 1900's.

It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs.  The pewter lid is in very good condition with just some slight pitting of the pewter, and works perfectly.

This is one of two almost identical steins that I am auctioning this week.  I purchased the two steins in antique stores at different times and in different places, but both in the mid-1970's, so they are not strictly speaking a pair, though the differences are very minor.  Because they are both hand-painted, the coloring of the pictures is slightly different.  Further, the pewter top on this stein is somewhat dirtier and slightly more pitted than the other one.  The last 2 pictures show the two steins side-by-side so you can see the differences (this stein is the one on the left).