RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

Good day to you Jon. I’m hoping beyond all hope that you can tell me about this very large beer mug. My family migrated to America from Austria in 1949. I was just a small boy at that time but I always remember this beer mug. My parents treasured it. So much so, it was only taken out around the Christmas holidays. I know it belonged to my grandfather who was from Germany. It stands 22 inches tall and as you can see, the workmanship is top notch. I’ve wondered about it for years. Have you ever seen anything like it before?

Richard

Good day to you Richard. You possess an outstanding example of a Villeroy & Boch, from the city of Mettlach, German ceramic beer tankard, circa 1910. A brief history of the manufacturer of this tankard. Mettlach dates to 1836 when a pottery company founded by Francois Boch merged with one owned by Nicolas Villeroy to form the famous German ceramic company Villeroy & Boch. Production of relatively low-quality steins began in the early 1840’s. However, it was the products sent to the World Exhibition, held in Antwerp in 1885, which gave us the works of art we know today. By the late 19th century, the company had seven factories, but the factory at Mettlach, most famous for its production of steins, became known by this village name. Mettlach also produced plaques, vases, and table wares, all of which are known for their intricately decorated surfaces in a variety of designs and styles. In 1931 Villeroy & Boch made its first steps into the housing and construction sector by establishing a mosaic factory that would go on to meet the worldwide demand for Mettlach tiles, which now decorate many historic landmarks ranging from Germany’s Cologne Cathedral to believe it or not, the Holland Tunnel! I will also inform you that tiles from this same factory also contributed to the interior grandeur and elegance of the RMS Titanic. Your beautiful tankard was part of an elaborate 10-piece set. The tankard, a serving tray and eight matching beer steins. I have personally owned a complete set, that’s why I am quite familiar with this tankard. Your tankard is model number 1498 and should be incised on the base METTLACH all in capital letters. It should be further green ink stamped Villeroy & Boch beneath a winged wheel trademark insignia. Assuming this tankard has remained in excellent condition, no chips, cracks or restoration, its current value is $1,500 USD. If you were fortunate enough to possess the entire ten-piece set, the current value would be $4,000 USD. Prost!