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Condition description
Antique 1903 Villeroy & Boch Mettlach No. 2751 “Drinkers” master stein in very good displayed condition. Large 2.5-liter etched stoneware body with original pewter-mounted inlaid ceramic lid. Decoration remains vivid and detailed. Heinrich Schlitt signature and factory markings are present. Lid, hinge and thumb lift operate properly. Pewter has expected age-related patina, oxidation and surface wear. Interior appears clean. Please inspect all photographs carefully. No chips, cracks, repairs or restoration observed.
Full description
Offered is an important antiqueVilleroy & Boch Mettlach No. 2751 “Drinkers” beer stein, dated1903and designed by noted German artistHeinrich Schlitt.
This exceptionally large2.5-liter master steindepicts an elegant tavern or drinking scene with two 18th-century gentlemen seated beside a table set with wine glasses and a decorated bottle. The surrounding interior includes framed artwork, wall plates, a smoking pipe and finely rendered architectural details.
The richly colored etched decoration is framed by raised geometric borders and an ornamental flared base. The handle is molded with a detailed central decorative band.
The original pewter-mounted lid contains a colorful ceramic inlay depicting a goblet with grapevines. The ornate figural thumb lift has a dramatic mask or face below its leaf-form crest.
The body is signedHeinrich Schlittnear the lower edge of the artwork.
Base markings
The underside is impressed with:
- Villeroy & Boch Mettlach tower mark
- Catalog number2751
- Date code03, indicating 1903
- Factory or decorator number28
- Protected-design marking
- Capacity designation consistent with the 2.5-liter form
Collector references identify No. 2751 as the master stein for the smaller Mettlach No. 2752.
Details
- Maker: Villeroy & Boch
- Factory: Mettlach, Germany
- Catalog number: 2751
- Collector title: Drinkers
- Artist: Heinrich Schlitt
- Year: 1903
- Capacity: 2.5 liters
- Material: Etched stoneware with pewter-mounted ceramic inlay lid
- Approximate height:15.75 inches
- Approximate base diameter:6.25 inches
- Form: Large master beer stein
- Period: Early 20th century
Condition
The stein presents beautifully, with strong color, crisp linework and attractive glaze. The ceramic lid inlay, pewter mounting, hinge and figural thumb lift appear complete. The interior is clean.
The pewter shows expected darkening, oxidation and surface wear consistent with an object more than 120 years old. Minor shelf wear and normal manufacturing irregularities may be present.
Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description.
A substantial and desirable example for collectors of Mettlach stoneware, Heinrich Schlitt artwork, antique German beer steins, Villeroy & Boch ceramics or historic breweriana.
Item specifics
BrandVilleroy & BochTypeBeer SchlittYear1903Capacity2.5 LCountry/Region of PewterProduction Drinking, WineFeaturesLidded, Inlaid Lid, Artist SignedOriginal/ReproductionAntique OriginalAntiqueYesTime Period will be double boxed, and spray foam packed and insured for full purchase price, not regular shipping.
