Germany, Imperial. A First World War Patriotic Stein

(Erinnerungs-Krug). Constructed of glazed off-white earthenware, the exterior bearing a hand-painted dedication reading “DER HEIMET DANK NIMM TAPFERER HELD ENTGEGEN DU GABST SO VIEL UND SIE KANN WENIG GEBEN ES SPENDE UNS DIE ZUKUNFT IHREN SEGEN DIE KRAFT ZU NEUER TAT ZU NEUEM LEBEN” (“ACCEPT THE HOMELAND'S THANKS, BRAVE HERO, FOR YOU GAVE SO MUCH AND IT GAVE SO LITTLE. MAY THE FUTURE GRANT US ITS BLESSING FOR THE STRENGTH FOR NEW DEEDS AND NEW LIVES”), situated within a blue and white border indicating likely Bavarian issue, in turn surrounded by a green laurel leaf wreath, with a protruding hand emanating from the side, topped by a pewter thumb piece in the form of a stylized acorn, with a functional swivel hinge connecting to a lid engraved with owner’s initials, the handle flanked by an etched mark of “0,5L” for one half-liter, otherwise unmarked, measuring 17 cm (h) (inclusive of thumb piece) x 15.5 cm (w) (inclusive of handle), demonstrating a consistent patina to the pewter elements but with no cracks or chips evident, a superb example of mournful patriotica in extremely fine condition.