V & B Mettlach Relief Decorated 2 Liter Beer Stein Pitcher with Pewter Lid 1897 For Sale

This impressive salt glazed Villeroy and Boch Mettlach 2 liter beer pitcher was made in 1897 and is model number 1926. It bears the \"Mercury\" ink stamp that was used from 1874-1909 and is impressed with the number 97 for 1897. It is relief decorated with cream colored sprigs on light blue grey textured background with a band of sea shells and cattail rushes around the neck and base of the pitcher and a bold central escutcheon centered on the vessel topped with a cupid\'s head and flanked with beautifully modeled cattails and rushes The central escutcheon bears the following German saying: Sei\'s Schaumendes Bier, Sei\'s perlendes Wein, Eines wunsch ich Dir: Trink Beides stels rein (If its foaming beer or if its sparkling wine, I wish you to drink both always pure.) The pitcher is 12.75\" tall x 6\" in diameter at its widest point. The pitcher handle has a tight hairline crack at the base of the loop handle is a little loose and the thumb plate might be bent downward (I\'m not sure about this because it seems very secure in its current position). Otherwise the pitcher is in great overall condition.
Stock Number SA2D-241