Antique Mettlach Villeroy & Boch Beer Stein Etched 'Gymnast' #1914 circa 1897 -1/2 Liter - Beautiful Condition! Mettlach 1914

Lovely antique Villeroy & Boch / Mettlach German beer stein, as pictured. “Gymnast”, Pattern number 1914. -made circa 1897. Made in etched technique with a wonderful effect. It was a special technology unique to Mettlach that many companies tried to reproduce but no one ever got close. After the great fire in Mettlach factory in 1921 the records and technology were completely lost.

Excellent condition with vibrantly colored enameled and no chips/cracks/damage. The porcelain lid is secure and the inside porcelain is quite clear. See close-up photos to fully understand the condition.

Marked near the handle "1/2 L" (1/2 of Liter). Manufacturer markings on the bottom, including pattern number "1914", "97" ( for the date of manufacturing 1897) and the Mettlach / Villeroy & Boch stamp.
Text:
“Gut Heil”
(Good health)
“Lasst Kraft uns erwerben mit Herz und Hand,
zu leben und zu sterben für’s heil’ge Vaterland.”
(Let us acquire strength with heart and hand,
to live and to die for the Holy Fatherland.)

The “4F” symbol depicted on the lid inlay and in two places in the central design represents a movement begun by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn (1778-1852), or “Turnvater Jahn”, who is credited with responsibility for organizing the first gymnastic clubs (Turn Vereine) in Germany during the early 19th century. The four Fs stand for “Frisch, Fromm, Fröhlich, Frei” (Fresh, Pious, Happy, Free).

Text is from a song entitled “Ich hab’ mich ergeben” (I Have Devoted Myself), written in 1820 by Hans Ferdinand Maßmann.

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Returns & exchanges:
Returns accepted within 30 days of the purchase of the item. However, the buyer is responsible for shipping the item back to us and that cost will not be refunded. We will refund your money for the item as soon as we receive the item back. Please send the item back to us with tracking.