Posted 13 years ago
ldar8050
(2 items)
Ok, I could really use some help with this one. I do not collect steins, but I do love to find "odd" items and then investigate where they came from. This stein appears to be the gray stoneware (Steinzeug) with cobalt oxide. The gray is much darker than any others I've seen online. The cobalt is sparse and appears to be used as shading. There doesn't appear to be much of a glaze on the stein, if any. There is a small hole at the top of the handle, but the lid is missing. The stein is 6 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide at the bottom and narrowing to 2.75 inches at the top. The handle is in the shape of a question mark. There is the number 355 at the base of the handle (see picture) and 1/2 L by the top of the handle (see picture). The bottom of the stein has some rough pieces on it and an "O" inscribed (see picture). The battle scene appears to be the Battle of Pavia. I found a painting online that matches the people on the stein. I couldn't add the fifth picture which was a close up of the Lansquenet (soldier on horseback). The details of the battle scene are very intricate. Here's the rub - I'm lost! I have so much information from researching steins online, but when I compare my stein to this information I have conflicting time periods. I pray that someone or many someones will be able to help me identify the time period and circumstances of this stein. I have not seen any other steins online that look so "rustic". It appears to be either very old or very sad. Thank you!