Hunting Scene With Grizzly Bear Beer Stein 2.5L (Circa 1980-1990)

Own A Piece Of History From The Stepanek Business

The Westerwald (“Western Woods”) is a region in Germany, located between Frankfurt and Cologne, known for its rich, high-quality clay deposits and its long tradition of ceramic production and beer steins. The period from 1960 to 1980 was characterised by strong economic growth and increasing prosperity. Consumers placed more value on design and aesthetics, which forced manufacturers to offer more creative and fashionable products. High quality and "individualism" became prevalent in the production of beer steins.  Prior to this, previous designs had been produced in large quantities. Now, many different shapes and designs had to be developed and produced in much smaller numbers to suit this changing demand. 

This stein is from the former Stepanek family business in Höhr-Grenzhausen. Mr. Stepanek produced elaborate pewter lids and then applied them to the steins he bought. As his lids are of very high quality and value, he only refined relatively large and elaborately produced steins. He therefore served the market’s upper price segment for steins. The majority of the steins refined by Mr. Stepanek were produced in a small family business (Girmscheid) in Höhr-Grenzhausen. There is a high probability that there are very limited quantities remaining of this particular stein, however it is difficult to ascertain remaining quantities worldwide. Therefore, owning a Stepanek stein means to own a rare piece of history.

About This Stein:

During the time when people would get their daily ration of beer directly from the local brewery or pharmacy, the use of ceramic pitchers was very common: They were easy to clean, plus it kept the beer fresh and cool. This jug depicts a wild battle between brave hunters, dogs, and a grizzly bear. Apart from one hunter, everyone is occupied with this bear and does not notice that a second bear is approaching on the right. Fortunately, this hunter has already taken aim at the second grizzly.

The jug was produced in a very elaborate and deep relief. It was decorated with the ‘wiping’ technique: After the ceramic body of the stein was coloured, the craftsmen used very soft tissues and thinned the colour by wiping it off the raised areas. The full amount of paint stayed in the recessed areas so that they appear darker and deeper than the embossed parts.

The hand polished genuine pewter lid also shows great craftsmanship, with a motif that depicts a hunter, enjoying a break with a smoke from a traditional pipe and a beer out of a stein: It is framed by oak leaves, flags, and a symbol of Saint Hubertus (the patron of hunters). 

The bottom of the jug is stamped with "Made in Western Germany." It was handcrafted between 1970 - 1980, though an exact date is unknown. This is a beautiful collector's piece as well as a very decorative piece.

Key Features:

• Authentic German beer stein by Stepanek family
• Produced with clay from the Westerwald region
• Made from ceramic and genuine pewter
• Rustic coloured finish
• Theme: Hunting scene with grizzly bear
• Sturdy handle
• Pewter lid
• Made in Germany
• Volume: 2.5L
• Height: 39cm
• Excellent gift idea for the hunting enthusiast
• Fast delivery Australia wide
• Free delivery on orders over $400
• Happiness guaranteed

Please note: as we may hold more than 1 stein in each series, the stein number that you receive in the series may vary to what is shown in the picture.

Authentic German Beer Steins

Be spoiled for choice at our huge range of authentic German beer steins. As well as serving up your next cold brew (or warm gluhwein), our beer steins make for outstanding display pieces that can be used for special occasions, events and memorable moments to be celebrated. On offer are a wide variety of limited edition, unique and hand-painted pieces direct from our supplier in the Westerwald region of Germany. Choose from a range of different German designs, themes and materials including pewter, stoneware and ceramic. Our extensive selection includes themed designs such as Oktoberfest, German heritage, sports, fantasy, animal themed designs, and even historical moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall (some of our beer steins feature an actual piece of the Berlin wall attached on the lid of the stein). We also supply drinking horns, and drinking steins made entirely of crystal!

Disclaimer:

Whilst we do our best to accurately capture all products to best represent their natural appearance, the colour and finish of this product may vary slightly from the images on our website.