Imperial German Reservist's stein of August Birkel, 5th Squadron, 5th Bavarian Chevaulegers, who served 1888-1891.

Imperial German Beer Stein with an Ornate Pewter Lid, entirely hand decorated and named to "August Birkel", who served in "5 Esc. 5 Bay. Chevaul. Regt. - Saargemund 1888 - 1891" Similar to the Dragoner in the Prussian Army, Bayern (Bavaria) had Chevaulegers, or cavalry regiments which operated as mounted infantry. Saargemund was earlier called Sarreguemines, originally a Roman settlement, that obtained civic rights early in the 13th century. In 1297 it was ceded by the count of Saarbrücken to the Duke of Lorraine, and passed with Lorraine in 1766 to France.
It was transferred to Germany in 1871, with the Treaty of Frankfurt following the Franco-Prussian War. From 1871 to 1918 it formed part of the German imperial province of Alsace-Lorraine and manufactured plush velvet, leather, porcelain, and earthenware, and was a chief depot for papier-mâché boxes, mostly used for snuffboxes. It was returned to France after World War I.
This is a very early regimental stein in excellent condition that is over 120 years old.