Seven Prince Electors 2L

Reinhold Hanke - mold 398

From the collection of Mike Finn

Reinhold Hanke made steins1868-1938. This "Seven Prince Electors of the Holy Roman Empire" 2L stein is about 12" tall. The hand scribed number on the bottom looks like 3918, but it's #398. It doesn't have a capacity, makers mark or Germany. The Prince Electors were a group of seven leading figures from both church and state who selected the Holy Roman Emperor. This system was established in the 13th century and remained in place until 1806 when the Holy Roman Empire was formally dissolved. It was required in 1887 to have Germany or Made in Germany on all exports.

August 1st and 2nd 1921 the firm of August Hanke was virtually destroyed by fire, all the molds were destroyed. Its operations from that point were a mere hint of what they had been. August Hanke (Reinhold's son) unsuccessfully attempted to rebuild his business, but he still produced some ceramics at a reduced level. August Hanke died 1938 and all production stopped. So most Hanke steins were made 1868-1921.

This early Reinhold Hanke stein was probably made 1868-1886. This stein is not in the beer Stein Library. The pewter lid may be original or possibly was installed if the original insert was broken, or it may have been made both ways. This type of open, three ring hinge started to come into use c. 1875 and continued in use until c. 1895.

View the collection of Mike Finn

type	stein	material	stoneware
producer	Reinhold Hanke producer info	mold	398
designer/decorator
capacity	2L
design date	1887-1821
height	30.4 cm (appx. 11.9 inches.)

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