I know this is a long shot, but my dad bought a customized porcelain beer stein in Munich around 1960 when he was stationed in Stuttgart (Army). I have the stein but would love to get a replica for my sister. On the bottom of it is a stamp that says Camfra Souvenier Shop Munich Germany (I think -- it's a bit smudged.) and it also says "Saur's" which may be the brand of the stein. Anyone ever heard of it? This stein has some Army insignia painted on it as well as my dad's name, dates he was there, etc. Has anyone seen a shop that does these custom steins? I am going to be in Munich summer 2020.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1290 posts
I could not find anything referencing the marks you specified. Your best luck may be contacting a Bierkrug Hersteller. Most Army posts have a shop outside the main gate that does plaques and such. You might even contact U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart?
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=bierkrug+Hersteller
Posted by
California USA
3951 posts
You can take a picture of the markings and insignia too to send to these suggested places and to take with you when you visit Munich in 2020. Good luck. If all else fails maybe you can alternate letting the mug reside with you and your sister—even and odd years?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8942 posts
I think I would look on Ebay. People want to get rid of stuff like this if it ends up in their possession and it doesn't mean anything to them. I have all kinds of beer krugs from various Army posts when they had their yearly festivals. None of them are porcelain though, so guessing this might be one made special for either an Army Ball or a Farewell event. Are you sure he purchased it himself or is the stein just from this shop? I know there is a shop here in Frankfurt that will make steins like this for special military occasions.
Posted by
Berlin
2224 posts
Likely product of Ulmer Keramik. The owner's name was Saur; company closed in 1991. Check linked website for phot of the beer steins.
If so, you know what to look and search for. I recommend local Antique stores and flea markets. Also long existing beer houses can have some of them left.
Good luck.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
864 posts
These were a common souvenir for military personnel stationed in Germany in the 1980's. You ordered them thru a guy who had a booth at the bigger PX's or the Rod and Gun Clubs. There's not a lot of those left since we've pulled about 300,000 Soldiers out of Europe. You might try contacting the AFFES in Kaiserslautern, that's about the biggest now days.
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX
4 posts
Thanks for all your good suggestions!