Ritterbrauerei Hall - Maßkrug
8/10L Brewery Stein, Originally Lidded)
Description:
A striking 8/10 Liter salt-glazed stoneware stein from the Ritterbrauerei of Hall (most likely Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg), featuring deeply incised cobalt-blue script.
The unusual “8/10L.” capacity mark is paired with a single horizontal calibration line, indicating this was likely a Gasthaus or brewery-issued pour size, uncommon today. The craftsmanship includes visible interior throw lines, a hand-applied handle, and a single lid mounting hole at the top of the handle, showing it originally bore a pewter lid (now lost). The glaze is a soft beige-grey salt glaze, with some cobalt overspill.
• Capacity Mark: “8/10L.” with full stop, precise fractional form.
• Calibration Line: Single-line type, horizontal.
• Handle: Hand-applied, with lid mounting hole at top.
• Interior: Visible potter’s throw rings.
• Exterior: Incised script, cobalt filled. Salt-glazed surface with minor cobalt splash.
Dating:
Circa 1895–1910
(Wilhelmine era; typical of the late-19th/early-20th century Gasthaus tradition.)
Attribution:
Ritterbrauerei, Hall – most likely Schwäbisch Hall, a historic salt-trading town in Baden-Württemberg. The use of “Hall” without a regional modifier is consistent with pre-WWI references to Schwäbisch Hall. The name “Ritterbrauerei” evokes the romanticized medieval/noble branding trend common in Germany’s brewery naming during the Kaiserreich.
Condition:
Excellent for its age. No visible cracks, chips. The cobalt splash marks on handle and the side are not so much flaws, as they lend themselves more to authenticity of the craftsmanship of the time.
Notes:
• The 8/10L capacity would have been used for house pours slightly below the full Maß (1L), either to stretch kegs or offer a moderate option to patrons.
• Originally lidded, indicating this was not just a casual beer mug, but part of a more formal or durable brewery service set.
Provenance:
While no formal purchase record exists, this stein was very likely acquired between 1985 and 1989 at a Flohmarkt in Schwäbisch Hall, the very town named on the stein itself. During this period, the collector lived locally and often spoke directly with vendors — many of whom were the original owners or descendants of the family that had used the steins for generations. It wasn’t uncommon for them to share that they were downsizing or simply felt it was time for someone else to enjoy the piece. Often, with a smile and a touch of warmth, they would say they were happy the stein was going to someone who truly appreciated it for what it was — not just a drinking vessel, but a small artifact of personal and regional heritage.
View the collection of Jorge O. Soriano
| type | stein | material | stoneware |
| producer | mold | - | |
| designer/decorator | |||
| capacity | 8/10L | ||
| design date | c. 1895 - 1910 |
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