Neumayer=Bräu STRAUBING. Maßkrug

From the collection of Jorge O. Soriano

Neumayer=Bräu STRAUBING. Maßkrug

½L Brewery Stein, c. 1900–1910
Pewter Lid by Ludwig Hösl, Straubing

A beautifully preserved 1/2L. brewery stein from Neumayer=Brau, an important historical brewery located in Straubing, Lower Bavaria, near Regensburg. This stein dates confidently to circa 1900–1910, placing it within the Golden Era of German brewery stein production — a period defined by artistic excellence and robust competition among regional breweries seeking distinctive branded wares, high-fired stoneware, custom pewter work, and regionally specific artistry.

Visual Design & Decoration.

The front features a striking central medallion showing the Neumayer=Brau name and founding year 1822, along with a richly detailed cobalt design incorporating a wagon or cannon-style wheel. Attached to it is a vertical banner or flagpole, with what appears to be blue-and-white Bavarian lozenges — possibly signaling the brewery’s regional identity or connection to Munich and Bavarian heritage. Below this is the word “STRAUBING” in all caps, and just above it the term “Schutz-Marke” (registered trademark), affirming the proprietary nature of the design.

This decorative motif appears to be applied using a cobalt slip-decorated underglaze technique, likely via stencil or resist application — a method typical of higher-end brewery steins from this period. The coloration is crisp, the edges sharp, and the surface smooth to the touch — showing no sign of post-firing transfer or mechanical printing.

Capacity & Calibration Details.

The capacity is marked “1/2L.” in an incised style, with notable typographic flourishes:
• The “1” is slightly slanted.
• The slash mark does not connect to the “2” but sits beneath it, cleverly doubling as the horizontal calibration line.
• Both the “2” and the “L” are followed by periods, and the “L” itself is a fully capitalized letter.

This configuration is rare and distinctive. The calibration line appears on the side of the stein, not the front, and is nearly centered horizontally, rather than positioned closer to the handle — an unusual and perhaps regionally specific placement.

Form & Craftsmanship.

The body is crafted from smooth stoneware, salt-glazed inside and out. The handle is hand-applied, and the entire form shows excellent balance and kiln performance — clean lines, no warping, and solid base integrity.

The stein is lidded with pewter, featuring a beautifully engraved lid face marked:

Neumayer=Brau
STRAUBING

This engraving is deep, crisp, and decorative, with scrollwork surrounding the upper text and an underlined city name. The thumb lift is in the shape of a classic acorn, a popular and symbolic Bavarian motif. The hinge type is open - five ring.

Underside of the lid is clearly stamped in a circular mark:

LUDWIG HÖSL STRAUBING

Brewery Lineage & Historical Intersections:

• 1822 – Neumayer brewery founded in Straubing.
• 1952 – Brewery was acquired by Schloßbrauerei Moos.
• Later 20th century – Moos operations were eventually absorbed into Arcobräu Gräfliches Brauhaus, a larger brewing entity still operating today.

Arcobräu’s heritage is interwoven with various noble brewing estates, and although no longer producing under the Neumayer name, the Straubing legacy may live on through commemorative labels or archival mentions in Arcobräu’s historic lineage. This rare and special steinkrug represents a part of the rich German & Bavarian brauerei history, culture, and traditions.

Condition.

Condition like this is becoming harder and harder to find. The decoration is unfaded, the glaze is clean, no visible chips or cracks, no lid dents — it wasn’t just made well, it was loved and protected for over a century and through two world wars.

Other Notes:

• Marked “Schutz-Marke” confirms proprietary design protection, a common feature on authentic pre-WWI brewery steins.
• The seller accurately described the item as a “Top Rarität aus Nachlass!” — and indeed, this piece is a genuine rarity, seldom offered on the market.

As always, I welcome and appreciate your feedback.


References.

Bierkrug.Wiki: A wiki about breweries and their glasses and steins and our homeland
Neumaier Bräu Straubing
[link]

German Wiki: Arcobräu
Brewery in Moos, Lower Bavaria
[link]

ArcoBrau
[link]

View the collection of Jorge O. Soriano

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