Rare antique beer steins will be led by $30,000 example at convention

One of the greatest auctions of rare beer steins ever seen is to be held at the Stein Collectors International 2012 Convention in Maryland on August 14.

It will be one of the largest and most diversified auctions of the drinking vessels to come to the market in more than 50 years, with every type and manufacturer of beer steins represented across 452 lots.

"It is a sale not to be missed, if you have the slightest interest in antique beer steins. This is the type of sale that collectors talk about for years," commented auctioneer Ron Fox, himself a dedicated collector who has spent the past 41 years travelling across Europe and America researching and photographing steins.

Russian Imperial Tankard Stein
The Russian tankard stands among Faberge eggs and Cristal champagne



Leading bids will be a Russian enamel and gilded silver tankard, which was produced in Moscow in 1883. Bearing the imperial warrant, which was granted only to those licensed to create works for the Russian imperial family, the tankard stands among renowned manufacturers such as Faberge and Steinway and Sons. Featuring a cylindrical body with scrolling foliage and a pinecone finial, it is expected to bring $20,000-30,000.

Also featuring is an exceptionally rare basket-weave stein from 1702, which boasts a wide tankard shape made from tightly woven reed material. Featuring a pewter lid and in excellent condition, it will sell with a $10,000-14,000 estimate.

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