Baden Reservist Infantry Stein
 
A superb original Imperial German porcelain Stein for a soldier who served in 4. Badisches Infanterie-Regt. Prinz Wilhelm Nr.112 (Mülhausen) XIV Armee Korps from 1909 to 1911.

Mandatory military service in the North German Confederation was generally for all men 17 to 45 years of age. The tour of active duty was three years for Calvary and Artillery, but only two years for other arms such as infantry. Upon completion of their active duty these Reservists often purchased service souvenirs from the Regimental canteen such as Steins, pipes, flasks, Schnaps cups, etc. Regimental Steins were usually produced in porcelain and decorated with decal transfers touched up with hand painting and then fired. The glazes on Steins included great varieties of colour and brilliance. The pewter work on most regimental Steins is both elaborate and meaningful. The lid and thumb lift of this example are symbolic of Baden being the Griffon.

This Stein is photographed with an issued Mannschaften (Other Ranks) shoulder strap.
A close up of the name on the bottom of the Stein for Reservist Schnurr. Until 2013 I was Reservist Schnurr, so my attraction to this beautiful Stein is obvious. My family name Schnurr is a very uncommon name even in Germany. Research indicates my family immigrated from Rastatt in Baden before immigrating to Odessa Russia in the 1800s in search of land to farm. However, there were relatives that undoubtedly stayed in Baden, so there is no doubt that the Reservist Schnurr that once owned this Stein is in fact, related to me. Above the owner's name are two portraits: on the left is Wilhelm II (Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albrecht von Preußen German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia (27 January 1859 - 04 June 1941) and on the right is Frederick II Grand Duke of Baden (09 July 1857 - 09 August 1928).
The top edge carries the phrase: "Wir Standen am Vogesenrand zum Schutze für das Vaterland" (we stand at the edge of the Vogesen [mountains] to guard for the Fatherland).

The phrase underneath states: "Wer Frankreichs Grenze hat bewacht, hat als Soldat was mitgemacht" (Who France's border has watched, have all soldiers participated).
Countless tiny buttons and the even the Baden Wappens on the soldier's Pickelhauben are meticulously hand painted.

The colours are amazingly vibrant; I had no idea how beautiful and detailed an original Reservist Stein was.
On the rear are the names of all the soldiers of the 7. Companie; on the left the Gefreiter (Corporals) and on the right, the Reservists.
On the list of the Reservists is the solitary name of Schnurr (my distant relative).
A very attractive matching set of a Baden Reservist's Stein and a Baden Reserve Pickelhaube, albeit not from the same man. Nevertheless, as close a matching set as a collector could hope for, especially with both items being in such superb condition. To see the Pickelhaube click Here.