How can I tell if a beer stein is vintage?

Some beer stein molds have been in use for a long time, so the design is often not enough to tell if you have a vintage piece. On the bottom of the stein, you may find a maker’s mark and even an exact date of manufacture. Another good indicator is to examine the pewter lid and hinge. Pewter acquires an uneven patina over time but fakes that use a darkening agent will have an evenly distributed patina. If the inside of your stein’s lid is much lighter than the outside, that's a good sign you have an antique. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique beer steins from some of the world’s top sellers.