Marks

Stein Collectors International

~ The Basic Marks ~

a brief compilation by Walt Vogdes

This article shows many of the most common trademarks found on stoneware or pottery beer steins. Most of these marks were published in Prosit between 1982 and 1985, but the identification and cataloguing of marks is an ongoing effort. Thanks to the work of SCI Master Steinologist and former SCI President Les Hopper, SCI is planning to publish the most comprehensive dictionary of marks found on steins. This material will be distributed free to all members, both current and future.

The trademarks shown below are in alphabetic order by factory name (although that is not as straightforward as it sounds). These marks are found on the base of the stein, typically accompanied by the form number and other marks. It's important to note whether marks were incised (impressed into the base when the clay was still "green", or stamped in ink. Form numbers are also sometime found on the body of the stein, behind or below the handle, and these marks may be either raised or impressed.

Stoneware and Pottery

Mark(s)

Manufacturer

Comments

D.R.G.M. 154927
from 1901

Diesinger
(Höhr)

Incised. This mark is actually a reference to a patent taken out by Adolf Diesinger in 1901.


- - - - 1900 - ~1930 - - - -

Dümler & Breiden
(Höhr)

Incised


from 1918	from 1971

Eckhardt & Engler
(Höhr-Grenzhausen)

Incised


from ~1900	Modern

Simon Peter Gerz
(Sessenbach)

Incised

Gesetzlich Geschutzt

Geschutzt

These common marks are not trademarks, and cannot be used to identify manufacturer. They variously mean "Legally Protected", "Protected", "Patented"


from the 1880's		Modern

Matthias Girmscheid
(Höhr)

The first two marks are incised, the third is painted. Many of these steins are signed by KB (Killian Beuller) or GK (unknown).


1900-1930s	1900-1938

Reinhold Hanke


- - - - 1887 - c. 1910 - - - -

Hauber and Reuther
(Höhr)

Incised (on stoneware) or stamped (on porcelain). First catalogued by Master Steinologist Mike Wald in his book, HR Steins.


1879 - 1964

- - - - Modern - - - -

Marzi and Remy
(Höhr)

Incised

1879-1921

Merkelbach and Wick
(Grenzhausen)

Incised. Frequently found only partially impressed, but easily recognized by its shape and characteristic flourish in the letters.

		R.MERKELBACH GRENZHAUSEN
1882-1933	from ~1900	from ~1903

from ~1909	1916-1945	1945-1964
REINH. MERKELBACH HÖHR-GRENZHAUSEN
from 1936		1964-1968

Reinhold Merkelbach
(Grenzhausen)

Incised.

Marks from this factory are easily recognized, consisting primarily of the combination of RM (Reinhold Merkelbach), and G (Grenzhausen).

From 1972 to 1988 this firm was part of Goebel Group. During this time some limited edition reproductions of Jugendstil period steins were produced, as well as saltglazed items in the scratch-decorated style. They now are independent once again, although operating on a very limited scale.


1842-1860	1852-1873	1873-1883

1874-1909	1883-1931	1893-1930

Mettlach

(Villeroy and Boch)

Three marks in the top row are applied. The first and third marks in the second row are stamped in ink. The middle mark in the second row is incised.

The name Mettlach refers specifically to the factory of Villeroy and Boch in the small town of Mettlach.

See the separate article on Mettlach marks.

modern

Rastal Werk
(Höhr-Grenzhausen)

Decal. This company makes many steins today as well as glasses with brewery logos.


from 1900

J. W. Remy
(Höhr)

Incised


1893-1896	1897-1918	1918-1930	from 1930

Albert Jacob Thewalt
(Höhr)

Incised


1874-1909

Villeroy and Boch
(Dresden)

Stamped.