Villeroy Boch Stein Appraisal

Mettlach Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Beer Stein, #2013

This is a Villeroy & Boch Mettlach stoneware beer stein (likely model number 2013), crafted during the late 19th or early 20th century. The body is characterized by a dark brown, textured 'tree bark' or rustic wood finish, achieved through specialized stoneware techniques. It features high-relief, white slip-cast (pâte-sur-pâte style) applications forming a central decorative cartouche. Inside the frame, the German gothic-style script reads, 'Der Reben- und der Gerstensaft,' which translates to 'The juice of the vine and the barley' (wine and beer). The frame is adorned with detailed wheat stalks at the top and grape clusters with leaves at the bottom, symbolizing the ingredients of the two beverages. The handle is modeled to resemble a gnarled wooden branch, consistent with the rustic 'Wald' (forest) aesthetic popular in this era. The piece is topped with a domed pewter lid featuring a textured ceramic insert that matches the dark brown body. The lid is attached via a sturdy pewter three-ring hinge and a detailed thumb lift. Construction shows the high quality synonymous with the Mettlach factory, though some modern paper residue is trapped beneath the lid's rim. The overall condition appears excellent with a rich patina on the pewter and crisp white highlights against the matte brown background; no significant chips or cracks are visible in the provided image.