Bidspirit auction | 1896 Mettlach Villeroy and Boch

1896 Mettlach Villeroy and Boch 1/2 Liter Lidded Beer Stein Number 1909 715 - This Mettlach beer stein, manufactured by Villeroy and Boch, is crafted from cream-colored stoneware in a cylindrical form. The body features a wrap-around chromolithograph transfer scene with hand-painted color accents titled Characters from Student Songs. The decoration depicts various legendary and literary figures associated with drinking culture. A cream-colored band near the base contains the names of the depicted figures in brown block lettering: v. KAUFFUNGEN, HILDEBRAND, FURST THOREN, HADUBRAND, PERKEO, v. RODENSTEIN, and FALSTAFF. The stein is equipped with a hinged pewter lid featuring a ball-and-finial thumb lift. The exterior of the lid is engraved in cursive script: D. H. C. / 1896. / Third Prize. / Horse. The base of the stein bears the incised Mettlach castle tower factory mark above the numbers 715 and the word GESCHÜTZT. The model number 1909 is incised at the bottom edge. Date code 94 indicates the stoneware body was manufactured in 1894, while the number 14 is also present. The interior of the vessel features a smooth white glaze. Dimensions: 7.25 inches height (estimated). The stein is in excellent condition. There are no chips, cracks, or visible repairs to the ceramic body. The interior is clean. The pewter lid and hinge are structurally sound and fully functional, showing a naturally aged patina and minor surface wear consistent with age and use as a presentation prize.