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Vintage Breweriana • West Germany 1988 Gerz Olympia Beer Stein “Tavern Scene” • W19 / OL088 • Pewter-Lidded Stoneware
Striking vintage Olympia Beer lidded stein made by Gerz of West Germany, featuring deeply molded raised-relief decoration, rich cobalt-blue glaze, multicolor figures and a traditional hinged pewter/Zinn lid.
This design is identified in breweriana references as the 1988 Olympia Beer “Tavern Scene” W19 / OL088 stein, produced for Olympia Brewing Company of Tumwater, Washington.
Stein Details Brewery Olympia Beer / Olympia Brewing Company Manufacturer Gerz Origin West Germany Model W19 / OL088 “Tavern Scene” Year 1988 Material Glazed stoneware / ceramic with metal lid Lid Hinged pewter / Zinn-style metal lid with ball thumb lift Height Approximately 7.5 inches Base Diameter Approximately 3.75 inches Top Opening Approximately 2.75 inches ◇ Three-Part Raised-Relief Artwork
The decoration wraps around the body in three deeply molded panels. The figures and ornamental scrollwork rise noticeably above the dark cobalt background, creating an almost sculptural three-dimensional effect.
Tavern Scene
A traditional beer-hall scene with several figures gathered around a table, including an older bearded gentleman, drinking vessels, furniture, window detail and brickwork. Cherub Musician
One side panel features a cherub or putto playing a curved horn, framed by elaborate yellow scrollwork, leaves and floral accents. Companion Cherub
The opposite panel depicts another cherub-like figure carrying a staff or long object within the same richly molded floral and scrollwork design. ◇ Olympia “Good Luck” Lid
The ornate ceramic lid is decorated with raised OLYMPIA BEER lettering and a large horseshoe marked “GOOD LUCK.” Within the horseshoe is Olympia's waterfall-style landscape imagery, surrounded by molded hops and grain.
A substantial metal collar, hinge and traditional round thumb lift allow the lid to open smoothly. The metal has the soft gray patina expected of vintage pewter/Zinn-type stein hardware.
◇ Gerz West Germany Markings
The underside retains a faint circular Gerz / W. Germany factory backstamp along with a separate “20” marking.
Additional markings are present on the metal lid hardware. “Zinn” is the German term for tin and is commonly associated with traditional pewter-type stein lids. Exact alloy content is not being claimed unless specifically visible in the photographs.
◇ Olympia Breweriana
Olympia Brewing Company was historically associated with Tumwater, Washington, and its distinctive horseshoe-and-water imagery appeared on a number of collectible steins and brewery promotional pieces. This West German Gerz example combines Olympia advertising history with the traditional German lidded-steins aesthetic.
◇ Condition
Excellent vintage pre-owned condition. The interior is exceptionally clean and appears to have seen little use. Raised decoration and colors remain bright and well defined.
No obvious major chips, structural cracks or repairs were observed in the photographs. The metal lid, hinge and thumb lift show normal vintage patina and minor age-related surface wear. Light base and glaze wear may also be present consistent with age and display.
Please review and zoom in on all photographs carefully. The photos show the exact stein being offered, including all three relief panels, lid decoration, hinge mechanism, interior and underside markings.
A distinctive piece of Olympia Brewing history paired with classic West German Gerz craftsmanship. PALENCIA THREADS Curated finds with a clean California feel.
