B&C 5884 Antique 1910's Blue & Grey Salt Glaze German Beer Stein

German beer stein with a pewter lid and a cobalt blue and gray salt glaze finish. The stein has a scene depicted on it and the words "Gott erhalt's". While "Gott erhalt's" literally translates to "God preserve it", it's commonly seen on steins as part of the phrase "Hopfen und Malz, Gott erhalt's!" which translates to "Hops and malts, may God preserve them!". This phrase is a praise for beer and is often displayed in traditional taverns. It reflects the importance of the ingredients in German brewing, especially in light of the Reinheitsgebot, a purity law specifying beer ingredients.
German beer steins have a rich history, with their origins dating back to the 14th century when the Bubonic Plague led to laws requiring covered drinking vessels for hygiene. Over time, these steins evolved from being primarily made of pewter to include materials like ceramic, glass, and stoneware, becoming a cherished part of German culture and brewing traditions.