Steins and tankards are both typically used to drink beer, but there is a difference between them. Tankards are open-topped, usually cylindrical, and usually made in one-piece out of materials like pewter, ceramic, glass, or silver.
Because they are open-topped, they are usually sealed with a lid made of the same material as the body of the tankard. Tankards also usually have a handle on either side to make it easier to drink from and to hold it with.
Steins, on the other hand, are more like mugs and feature an enclosed lid, which makes them perfect for travelling. Alongside the lids, steins have a wide variety of designs, which makes them great for decoration or for collectors.
Steins also have a handle on one side and can be made from materials such as ceramic, pewter, glass, silver, or even wood. In addition, steins often have a hinged lid with a thumb-lift, so that the lid can be opened and closed easily.
Why is it called pewter tankard?
A pewter tankard is so named because it is usually made of pewter, a metal alloy comprising 85-99% tin and other elements including copper, antimony, bismuth and sometimes lead. Historically, it has been used to make a variety of items, from cooking and eating utensils to small metal containers and jugs.
It was especially popular for creating beer and wine drinking vessels, such as tankards, because it was less prone to breakage than pottery or glass.
Pewter tankards vary in appearance and size. Some feature delicate engravings or intricate designs, while others are simple and unadorned. Historically, pewter was an affordable material, so it was often used to manufacture vessels of all shapes and sizes, from pint-sized tankards to enormous beer barrels.
Today, pewter tankards are mainly thought of as decorative items and are very popular as gifts. As a metal alloy of tin, they have a grayish color and a bright, lustrous sheen. They make great ornamental pieces for any home and can remind the recipient of their favorite tavern visit.
Why did tankards have glass bottoms?
Tankards had glass bottoms for a few different reasons. The most time-honored reason is that it gives people the ability to admire a beautifully crafted pint of beer, cider or mead inside the glass. Additionally, it allowed European drinkers to inspect their drink for suspicious items or poisons, a practice that was common in the Middle Ages.
This may have been a way to test for adulterated or spoiled beer, or the presence of contaminants from improper cleaning or storage. Lastly, the glass bottoms of tankards added a touch of glamor for formal or ceremonial presentations, or to demonstrate status or honor.
Some glassmakers experimented with a variety of decorative motifs to bedazzle the bottoms of tankards, with designs ranging from simple circles, to intricate designs with figures, animals and stars.
What is a tankard of ale?
A tankard of ale is an often-bulbous beer mug or stein with a handle that is used for drinking ale or beer. It typically holds between one pint and two pints of liquid. The handle emphasizes its individual use and serves as a means of insulation from the heat of the beverage.
Tankards are most commonly made out of pewter or glass, but may also be constructed out of other materials such as ceramic, wood, and metal. The shape of the tankard can vary widely, from the classic bulbous shape, to straight-sided and long-necked.
The term ‘tankard’ is derived from the old Middle English word for ‘large metal container’ and was originally intended for larger vessels such as water tubs. In recent years, tankards have been employed as a popular way to consume large amounts of alcohol.
However, they are also great for enjoying smaller amounts of beer with friends, as well as for displaying photographs, trinkets, cards and more.
What were cups called in medieval times?
In medieval times, water and other drinks were typically served in wooden or clay cups, goblets, or horn cups. The material used to make the cups depended on the social class of the individual. Wealthier people had access to elaborately decorated and crafted cups made of metal like silver, gold, and pewter.
These cups often had intricate designs and carvings, while simpler cups were more common among commoners. Commoners typically had wooden or clay cups, although these could still have carvings or primitive artwork.
Horn cups were also occasionally used by commoners due to their durability.
How many beers is a tankard?
A tankard is a large drinking vessel, typically made of ceramic, pewter, or glass, which is commonly used to serve beer or ale. The size of a tankard can vary, with the size typically ranging from 0.
5L to 2L in capacity. Therefore, the exact number of beers contained in a tankard will depend on the exact size of the tankard. A 0.5L tankard would typically hold about one regular-sized beer, whereas a 2L tankard could potentially hold up to four beers.
As tankard sizes can vary, you may want to measure the exact capacity of your tankard to get an idea how many beers it will hold.
What do Germans call a beer stein?
In Germany, beer steins are referred to as “Bierkrüge” in German. While “Bierkrüge” is the most common term in German, some other terms that may be used when referring to beer steins include “Stange Krüge”, “Maßkrüge”, and “Syth-Maß”.
A “Stange Krüge” is a tall, slender beer stein that can hold up to one liter of beer, while a “Maßkrüge” is a short, wider beer stein that typically holds up to half a liter. The term “Syth-Maß” is the regional name for a one liter beer stein (the equivalent of the “Stange Krüge”) that is specifically found in Bavaria.
In Bavaria, it is also commonly referred to as a “Bäuerlicher” or “Hopsenkrüge” (“Farmer” or “Hop-Stein”).
How do I identify a stein?
Identifying a stein can be done by looking for certain characteristics, such as year of manufacture, size, shape, and type of material. The best way to determine the age and authenticity of a stein is to examine the maker’s mark.
The mark on the stein usually consists of the maker’s name, the city in which it was made, and the year it was made. If there is no maker’s mark, that could be an indication that the stein is an antique or a reproduction.
Steins were typically made out of ceramic, pottery, or silver, although some may be made out of other materials, such as glass or porcelain. The size of the stein is often an indication of its age, with older steins often being smaller.
Additionally, the shape of the stein can be an indication of its age, with antique steins often having a more ornate shape than newer steins. Finally, collectors should be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches and dents, as that could indicate an older stein.
What is the most valuable stein?
The most valuable stein is typically determined by its age, condition, rarity, and aesthetic appeal. Some of the most valuable steins can be associated with a particular period in history or commemorate a specific event.
Generally, the older a stein is, the more valuable it will be. A stein should also be in an excellent condition, with few or no cracks, chips, etc. Rarity is also a major factor, as steins that were produced in limited quantities or that were handmade can be more valuable than those that are mass-produced.
Additionally, the craftsmanship and artwork on a stein can significantly increase its value; pieces with intricate designs, high-quality glazes, and other decorative elements can be worth more than plainer pieces.
Ultimately, the most valuable stein is the one that a buyer is willing to pay the most for.
How much is a German stein worth?
The value of a German stein can vary greatly depending on the maker, age and condition of the stein. Generally, the older and more ornate a stein is, the more valuable it is. Common steins from the 1900s can be worth around $100-$200, while more rare, antique steins from the late 1800s or earlier, can sell for $1000 or more.
Steins from Gerz or Marzi and Remy can also sell for a premium. Other factors that can affect the price of a stein include the size, design and whether it has a pewter or silver lid. If a stein has any special inscriptions or is part of a special edition, the value can be further increased.
It is important to do some research to determine the exact value of your stein.
What is a king stein?
A king stein is a type of beer mug or Stein, typically made from ceramic or pewter and designed for use during traditional German festivals such as Oktoberfest. It usually comes in the shape of a crowned king with the stein’s handle forming part of the base of the king’s throne.
This type of Stein is usually much larger than most other types, and typically holds between 1 and 3 liters of beer. While the stein is mainly used for decorative purposes, it is also used as a drinking vessel at festivals, and therefore must be equipped with a hinged lid to prevent spillage.
This lid typically takes the form of a pewter crown at the top of the King Stein.
What do you drink in a tankard?
A tankard is a large drinking vessel traditionally made of metal, ceramic or wood, with a handle and usually a hinged lid. It is commonly used to serve beer or other alcoholic drinks, though it can also be used to serve other beverages like tea, soup, or punch.
Common styles of tankards include the classic straight-sided mug and the barrel-shaped style with a flat base. In medieval times, tankards would often be decorated with pictorial designs, while modern versions are often made of silver or gold-plated metal, etched glass, or ceramic.
A tankard may contain 0.5 liters of a desired liquid, or one full imperial pint. As such, it is an excellent vessel for sharing a drink with friends and is often used at pubs, bars, and during special occasions like weddings and festive gatherings.
Can a tankard be made of glass?
Yes, a tankard can be made of glass. Glass tankards have been around since the 17th century, were widely popular in the 1800s, and have seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Traditionally, tankards were made out of metal, such as pewter or nickel, but glass tanks are also common now.
Glass tankards offer an elegance that metallics cannot provide and glass was popular to make them when the craft of glassworking was not as developed as it is now. Today, these pieces are generally made from borosilicate glass, a type of glass that is strong and more resistant to thermal shock than other types of glass.
This type of glass is more suitable for pouring hot and cold beverages, where traditional glass is prone to cracking. Therefore, a tankard can indeed be made of glass.
Why do German beer mugs have dimples?
German beer mugs, or steins, are known for their iconic dimples, which are actually not just decorative, but serve a very useful purpose. The dimpled mug creates a larger area on the cup with more air pockets, allowing the beer to stay cooler for a longer period of time.
The dimples also provide insulation, preventing the mug from getting overly hot on the outside when filled with a cold beverage. Additionally, the dimples give more of a secure grip when holding the mug, making them more comfortable and less likely to slip out of your hands.
This practical design lends itself to German beer mugs having a timeless aesthetic and making them one of the most popular beer vessels across the world.
