Original German Pre-WWII .5L Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 Christmas 1936 Beer Stein Regiment Staff Musik Nachrichtenzug
This is an original German pre-World War II 0.5-liter porcelain beer stein commemorating Christmas 1936 (Weihnachten 1936) and presented to members of the Regimental Headquarters (Regimentsstab), Regimental Band (Musik), and Signals Platoon (Nachrichtenzug) of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 (G.J.R. 100). Commemorative military beer steins such as this were privately purchased or presented as keepsakes to celebrate Christmas and preserve the camaraderie of a unit during Germany's peacetime military expansion in the 1930s.
The front of the stein displays an attractive wreath of alpine greenery surrounding a large Edelweiss, the traditional emblem of the German mountain troops (Gebirgsjäger). Flanking the flower are two shields: one displaying the traditional red, white, and black heraldic colors and the other bearing the early Third Reich national eagle above a swastika. Surrounding the design is the inscription:
"REGT. STAB, MUSIK, NACHR. ZUG – G.J.R. 100 – WEIHNACNTEN 1936."
This translates to:
"Regimental Headquarters, Band, Signals Platoon – Gebirgsjäger Regiment 100 – Christmas 1936."
Interestingly, the word "WEIHNACNTEN" is misspelled, omitting the letter "H" from the correct spelling "WEIHNACHTEN." Rather than being later damage or alteration, this appears to be an original factory transfer printing error, making it an unusual production anomaly and an interesting conversation piece.
Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100 was an actual regiment of the German Army, formed during the expansion of the Wehrmacht in the mid-1930s. By Christmas 1936, the regiment was still serving during the peacetime period, making this an early commemorative example from before the outbreak of World War II.
- Formed in 1935
- Stationed in Bavaria
- Part of the 1. Gebirgs-Division
- Later transferred to the newly formed 5. Gebirgs-Division in 1940
The stein retains its original pewter lid, which is maker marked on the interior:
"G. Willinger Sen. München 94"
identifying the well-known Munich pewter manufacturer G. Willinger Senior.
The top of the lid features the inscription:
"WILLST DU DEN FRIEDEN, SO RÜSTE ZUM KRIEG"
which translates to:
"If you desire peace, prepare for war."
This famous phrase originates from the Latin proverb "Si vis pacem, para bellum," and was commonly used by military organizations throughout Europe. Centered beneath the inscription is the distinctive insignia of the German Army Nachrichtentruppe (Signals Troops), consisting of two crossed signal flags surmounted by a lightning bolt (Blitz). The crossed flags symbolize military communications and signaling, while the lightning bolt represents the rapid transmission of messages. The inclusion of this emblem is especially appropriate, as the stein commemorates the Nachrichtenzug (Signals Platoon) of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100.
The porcelain body remains in very good condition, displaying only light age-related crazing to the glaze and minor handling wear consistent with age. The colorful transfer decoration remains exceptionally vibrant, while the pewter lid retains an attractive untouched patina. The interior of the stein is clean, and the hinge functions properly.
Overall, this is an excellent and historically significant pre-war German military beer stein commemorating the Regimental Headquarters, Band, and Signals Platoon of Gebirgsjäger-Regiment 100, complete with an uncommon factory misspelling that adds additional collector interest. It would make a fine addition to any advanced collection of German military porcelain, Gebirgsjäger memorabilia, or pre-World War II Wehrmacht artifacts.
