Mettlach “Mercury” Stamped Maßkrug

Aus die Sammlung von Jorge O. Soriano

Mettlach “Mercury” Stamped Maßkrug

KR ?

1L incised on side and a black painted calibration line mark.

Distinctive Mettlach 1L capacity and calibration marks for this period.

Open Hinge

5 Rings

See close up below

Super clean and smooth inside/out.

Chip on base.

Close up below.

See meaning of all these marks and numbers in the description section.

Mettlach “Mercury” Stamped Maßkrug


Description:

Stein Summary: 1L Plain Stoneware Masskrug – Mettlach by Villeroy & Boch

1. Green Ink Stamp. The green ink stamp with the central figure holding a caduceus (staff with wings and snakes) is indeed:

The “Mercury” Green Ink Stamp is different from the “Abbey” Green Ink Stamp.

– used by Villeroy & Boch / Mettlach
– 1874–1909
– Figure represents Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and trade.

My stein, bearing this Mercury stamp with “Made in Germany,” fits squarely within the post-1890 export period, thanks to the McKinley Tariff Act. This act is what forced German makers to start using “Made in Germany” on exports to the U.S., and it’s one of the key signs to narrow dating. However, in this case, the exact date/year is fortunately provided.

2. Impressed Numbers on Base:

• 1526 = Form or mold number.
• This is listed in V&B Mettlach catalogs as a plain 1-liter masskrug, produced for brewery or tavern use. No decorative relief or scene.
• It was offered in various glaze colors, including the light brown variant I have here.

37 = Painter or glazer’s mark (internal factory control number).

• Not relevant for dating but helpful for tracking internal production steps.

92 = Year of manufacture = 1892.

• This is the golden nugget. Mettlach marked the final two digits of the production year separately. This provides definite manufacture year: 1892.

1 = Variant or Version Number.

• Mettlach often used a single-digit variant code to distinguish between glaze color, form details, or regional variations.
• Since mold 1526 was produced over many years and in different finishes (some brown, some gray, some with special lids), this “1” could simply be the first production variant of mold 1526.


Condition:

Unfortunately, there is a chip on the exterior around the edge of the base. Also, the lid is slightly loose, but is firmly affixed. Otherwise, in fine condition. See images.

As always, I welcome your feedback.

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