Author unknown, Ceramic beer mug with lid - so called reservist's mug, armadillo S.M.S.Schlesien

Germany, early 20th century, 1911 - 1914, height 22 cm, height with lid 38 cm, spout diameter 8 cm, feet 11.5 cm.

Ceramic beer mugs with cap - so called reservist's mugs, armadillos, were customary souvenirs for soldiers finishing their service in the German army. In addition to the unit in which they served and a name list of reservists finishing their service with the owner, they contained numerous painted genre scenes and quotes from popular adages. Their value is determined not only by their state of preservation, but also by the rarity or, rather, the number of units in which they served. The tankards of naval units are particularly prized, and the one from the battleship Schlesien - is one of the rarities on the antiquarian market. Entered into service in 1908, it was one of the five largest naval vessels of the German army. The featured tankard is not only a souvenir of military service in its earliest years, but has all the elements preserved - even, rarely, a photograph of the Kaiser held by a sailor on the finial of its cap.