The original purpose of
the beer stein lid, as well as the body itself, is far from glamorous.
Since the very first steins were simple drinking vessels, the primary
reason for the lid was functional - a common sense precaution to keep
insects and other contaminants away from the aromatic liquid. In
addition to this, early functions of lids were to help keep the liquid
at a constant temperature as well as to prevent spillage. Lids, even in
early days, provided an unique finishing touch.
The Pewter lid is the most important feature of the Beer stein. Lids
have also a tremendous effect on price as well, sometimes more than
doubling the cost of a stein. Hundreds of different lids are currently
available - however, the vast majority of them can be categorized into
the following groups: conical, flat, ornamental, inlay/figurine,
figurine and stoneware.
Conical
This is the "cone" or "steeple" shaped lid which is the standard and most common type of lid, it is entirely made
of pewter.
Flat
Flat lids, also known as semi-flat lids, are made of pewter. Although
not entirely flat, the top surface does lend itself well to engraving.
Ornamental
Ornamental lids are always pewter. They feature superior detail,
require special hand work, and are presently the most popular lids for
limited edition steins. They generally have a glorified conical shape,
complete with top finial. Recently, the stein factories have been
introducing very interesting ornamental pewter lids.
Inlay/Figurine
A very attractive lid, virtually always consisting of a pewter rim, a
pewter flange (or lip) and a stoneware figurine or ornament inlaid in
the center.
Figurine
"Top of the line" lid in which a figurine, most often made of pewter,
is mounted on an ornamental pewter lid.
Stoneware
Just as the name implies, the top is made of the same material as the
body. A pewter or metal alloy hinge, strap, tang, shank, support and
thumblift are also used.
Stein-Man
guarantees that only locally produced pewter lids are used for his
catalog listing, only pewter workshops from the"Kannenbäckerland"
are chosen to lid a stein, this ensures that the tradition of
Westerwald beer steins is kept alive for the future.