Germany, Third Reich. A Patriotic Stein, by Christian Reck

(Bierkrug). A very well-preserved Third Reich-period patriotic stein, constructed of glazed earthenware. It features a curved protruding handle to which is affixed a functional swivel hinge, in turn connecting to a flattened pewter lid with a raised clamshell thumb piece. Both the handle and circumference of the stein are finished in a dark navy blue. The exterior adornments consist of a variety of raised and whitened designs. These include a central wreathed mobile swastika, flanked on the left by a depiction of the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Monument to the Battle of the Nations) and on the right by an image of the Potsdam Garrison Church. These images are joined together with oak leaf branches dotted with acorns. Underneath, the stein bears an elongated banner featuring an etched inscription of “NIMMER WIRD DAS REICH ZERSTÖRET, WENN IHR EINIG SEIDE UND TREU!” (“NEVER WILL THE REICH BE DESTROYED IF YOU ARE UNITED AND LOYAL!”). Also etched into the side near the top of the handle is a measurement mark of “0,5L” for one half litre. The base is etched with numbers “15” and “5448”, while the lid opens to reveal a maker’s mark of “CH. RECK, ZINNGIESSEREI, MÜNCHEN”. It measures 155 mm (w) (inclusive of handle) x 150 mm (h) (inclusive of thumb piece). While extremely well-preserved, there is a small chip to the glaze near the “SEID” inscription beneath the Garrison Church image, along with age-appropriate tarnish of the outer pewter. This otherwise highly presentable piece is in an overall near extremely fine condition.