Beautiful Original German Pre-WWII Unteroffizier (NCO) Korps Commemorative Beer Stein Reiter-Regiment 17, Dated 34
Offered is an exceptional and highly personal Original German Pre-WWII Unteroffizier (NCO) Corps Commemorative Beer Stein of Reiter-Regiment 17, dated 1934 and attributed to the garrison town of Ansbach. This is a textbook example of a pre-war cavalry service stein, representing a narrow and increasingly scarce period in German military history just prior to the full mechanization of the Wehrmacht.
The porcelain body is finely executed in the traditional Bavarian style, featuring a vibrant central scene of a mounted cavalryman charging forward with saber raised, set within a green oak-leaf wreath. The background landscape strongly suggests the town of Ansbach, consistent with known stationing of Reiter-Regiment 17, and adds a desirable level of unit and geographic attribution. Above the scene is the classic inscription, “Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit” (“In memory of my service”), denoting the stein as a personal keepsake commemorating the soldier’s period of service.
The lower body is clearly marked “U. Offz. Korps R.R. 17 Ansbach,” identifying it specifically to the Unteroffizierkorps (NCO Corps) of Reiter-Regiment 17, a distinction that elevates the piece above standard enlisted examples. Steins attributed to NCO corps were typically of higher quality and more limited in number, often privately purchased or commissioned as presentation pieces.
The original pewter lid is a standout feature of this piece, executed in a highly detailed and symbolic design that reflects the early Third Reich transitional period. The lid is surmounted by a sculpted M16 transitional steel helmet finial, displaying the characteristic form of the First World War pattern helmet retained in early Reichswehr and early Wehrmacht use. The helmet is adorned with double decals, consisting of the Tri-Color national shield on one side and the Heer eagle clutching a swastika on the other, a configuration seen only during the early to mid-1930s before regulations changed, further reinforcing the pre-war dating of this stein.
Beneath the helmet, the lid features a finely cast oakleaf wreath base, symbolizing strength and tradition. This transitions into a beautifully layered decorative band composed of two distinct tiers, creating a subtle two-tone effect in the pewter. The upper band displays tightly clustered oak leaves in relief, while the lower band is adorned with flowing branches and leaf motifs, giving depth and visual movement to the design. The contrast between the darker recessed areas and the raised highlights enhances the overall detail, resulting in a rich, sculptural appearance.
The lid rim itself bears a period hand-engraved inscription to “Uffz. Auernhammer R.R. 17” along with the date 30.7.34, executed in traditional German script. This personalization not only anchors the piece firmly in the early Third Reich period but also provides a direct connection to the NCO who owned it. The interior of the lid is clearly marked by the maker G. W. Menger, München, confirming quality Bavarian manufacture.
The stein retains its finely applied gold gilt decorative bands, which remain well-preserved and vibrant. These gilt accents, combined with cobalt blue detailing and raised relief ornamentation, underscore the stein’s presentation-grade quality. The handle is of traditional form with molded detailing, and all components remain tight and original.
Condition is excellent for its age, with only light, honest wear consistent with careful storage over decades. The porcelain body shows no major damage, and the artwork remains sharp and colorful. The pewter lid retains its original finish and untouched patina, with crisp detailing throughout and a fully functional hinge and thumb lift. Overall, a stunning and beautifully crafted beer stein that truly must be seen in person to fully appreciate the level of detail and craftsmanship.
This stein represents a highly desirable convergence of factors for the advanced collector: a named and dated example, direct attribution to Reiter-Regiment 17, NCO Corps association, confirmed Ansbach connection, and strong pre-war cavalry imagery. As such, it stands as both a visually striking display piece and a historically significant artifact from the final years of Germany’s traditional mounted forces.
