Herforder Spezialbiere Beer Coaster Appraisal
Category: Coaster
Description
This is a circular beer coaster made of absorbent paper or cardboard. It is tan in color and features dark blue printing on the front. The central design includes a shield or crest at the top with text below, and a large number '4' to the left. The text appears to be in German and identifies "Herforder Spezialbiere" with individual beer types listed below: "Herforder Pils", "Gold-Bock", "Edel-Export", and "Malzbier". The edges are slightly raised, indicating it is made from pressed pulp. The visible condition appears to be good, with no obvious tears, creases, or moisture stains present. The printing is clear and legible. There are no discernible manufacturer's marks or timestamps on the visible side. Based on the style of the design and the typeface used, it likely dates from the mid to late 20th century. The quality is consistent with standard production coasters for advertising purposes.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of what appears to be a Herforder Spezialbiere beer coaster. The item is a standard circular paper/cardboard coaster with blue printing on a tan background. The detailed design, including the Herforder branding and specific beer types, is clearly visible. Based solely on the image, the coaster appears to be in good condition, showing no obvious signs of significant wear, stains, or damage. The printing is sharp and legible, suggesting minimal use or good preservation. From a visual inspection of the image, authenticity appears consistent with typical promotional beer coasters from the mid to late 20th century, given the apparent design style and typeface. However, it is crucial to note that a definitive authenticity assessment requires a physical examination. Without handling the piece, I cannot fully verify the material composition, thickness, printing method details, or check for subtle signs of age or reproduction that may not be apparent in a photograph. An in-person inspection would allow me to confirm the texture, examine the edges and reverse side for any manufacturer marks or production details, and detect any faint odors or tactile inconsistencies that could support or question its age and origin. The market for vintage beer coasters is generally niche. While specific breweries or designs can command modest premiums, standard promotional coasters like this one generally have limited market value unless they are part of a large collection or represent a highly sought-after or rare variant. Comparable items online typically sell for minimal amounts, often valued more as ephemera or collectible souvenirs than as high-value antiques. The perceived rarity of this specific Herforder design variant is difficult to ascertain without more extensive historical data on Herforder's promotional items. Demand is primarily from collectors of brewery memorabilia, particularly those focused on German breweries or beer coasters specifically. Factors impacting value significantly are condition (which appears good here, based on the image), specific design rarity (undetermined from the image alone), and provenance (unknown). Without documented provenance or a confirmed rare design, the value remains primarily decorative and collectible. Given the apparent good condition from the image, but lacking the ability to perform a physical examination for full authentication and detailed condition assessment, and considering the general market for such items, the value is nominal.
Appraisal Value
$1 - $5