Description Postbräu Thannhausen (Swabia) Date 2010 source Own work Author Bene16. Free public use.
POSTBRAU-THANNHAUSEN BAY.- SCHWABEN
Postbräu Thannhausen – 1L Salt-Glazed Masskrug
Region: Thannhausen, Bayerisch-Schwaben, Bavaria
Date Estimate: Circa 1970s–1980s
Material: Stoneware (salt-glazed), 1L capacity
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
This 1-liter salt-glazed stoneware masskrug features the distinct creamy beige coloration common to industrially produced mugs from the latter half of the 20th century. The surface is smooth, lacking hand-thrown potter’s lines, though the handle appears to be hand-applied and displays fine character detailing. Inside, concentric lines are visible, likely from the mold process rather than traditional throwing.
The 1L capacity mark is incised on the side, featuring the familiar “fish-hook L” and a simple calibration line with no hash marks — both stylistic indicators that support a postwar production estimate. The placement of the calibration line noticeably below the rim also suggests a more modern manufacture.
The design is rendered in classic cobalt blue within a rectangular frame. At the center stands an evergreen-style tree, inside of which sits a horn adorned with two hanging tassels or emblems. Above the horn is a curious symbol — a “V” atop a “W” — possibly a stylized brewery monogram or a regional heraldic device. The text reads:
“POSTBRAU-THANNHAUSEN”
“BAY.-SCHWABEN”
set in bold, modern script rather than Fraktur or older Gothic styles.
Brewery History & Legacy
Postbräu Thannhausen was a private brewery located in the small Bavarian town of Thannhausen, nestled in the historic district of Bayerisch-Schwaben (Bavarian Swabia). Its brewing tradition spanned more than 500 years, dating back to at least the 16th century — making it one of the oldest regional breweries in southern Germany.
Unfortunately, Postbräu Thannhausen ceased operations permanently in 2023, marking the end of a centuries-old beer legacy. Rising production and delivery costs, growing market pressures, and an aging brewery infrastructure made it unsustainable in the modern beer economy. The closure was not the result of a merger or acquisition — the brewery simply ended its run after a long and honorable history.
This masskrug, while not rare in itself, now carries the added weight of being a relic from a vanished brewery — a piece of regional Bavarian beer heritage that no longer exists. For GERMAN brewery stein / mug collectors like myself, this gives it added narrative and emotional value, especially when paired with other Postbräu pieces, such as brewery coasters, labels, or promotional enamel signs items etc.
References.
Free public use image. See last image. No changes made.
[link]
View the collection of Jorge O. Soriano
| type | stein | material | stoneware |
| producer | mold | - | |
| designer/decorator | |||
| capacity | 1L | ||
| design date | c. 1970s - 1980s or earlier |
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