Matthias Girmscheid Figural German Ceramic Owl Character Beer Stein Lid No.740

Description

Catalog No. 740

Pottery, figural, 0.5L

"Matthias Girmscheid was born in 1845 to merchant parents and began his working life in the family tradition, opening his own trading firm in 1870 in the town of Höhr. Girmscheid’s manufacturing company began it’s life in 1884 and was apparently engaged initially in the manufacture of clay pipes. It is not known precisely when Girmscheid expanded his operation to include the manufacture of beer steins and related stoneware products, but by 1903 the firm was listed as a “stoneware factory”. In 1920, in what was almost certainly a response to Germany’s difficult post-war economy, Girmscheid merged with the firm of Gilles & Sohn. In 1930, two years following the death of Matthias Girmsched, the composition of the firm changed again. The new firm was called Girmscheid, Michels & Company, and included among its owners: Karl Girmscheid, who had taken over for his father; Simon Gilles, of Gilles & Sohn; and Alfons and Eduard Michels. However, this partnershp was to survive for only one year and, in 1931, the firm of “Matthias Girmscheid” returned to independent operations. Following the death of Karl Girmscheid in 1950, the company went through a series of ownership changes, but it continues in operation today, enjoying a healthy business focused principally on the manufacture of traditional salt-glazed tableware and decorative items.

Condition

Good Condition - Gentle wear

Dimensions

5.25" x 4" x 8" (Width x Depth x Height)