Stein Collectors International

July 1, 2000 By Walter B. Vogdes

Stein Collectors International Inc. (SCI) was founded in 1965. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and understanding of the art, culture and manufacture of beer steins, drinking vessels and related items from antiquity to modern times. Worldwide membership is approaching 2,000. Membership in almost 30 regional chapters is available throughout the USA and Germany.

All of the significant books about steins published in the United States in the past 30 years have been written by SCI members: The Mettlach Book; The Beer Stein Book; Encyclopedia of Character Steins; Character Steins, A Collectors Guide; Regimental Beer Steins; Antique Steins; and A Collector’s Guide to Diesinger Steins.

In addition, based upon their individual interests and abilities, SCI members research methods of production and decoration, identification of manufacturer’s marks and artists, and the use and meaning of the themes and symbols used to decorate steins. Their findings are published in a quarterly publication called Prosit. Containing approximately 32 pages per issue, the newsletter contains well-illustrated feature articles on beer steins and related subjects; news of the annual convention, regional gatherings and chapter meetings; free advertisement for members in the “Stein Exchange”; and commercial paid ads listing stein auctions and sales.

SCI has established its own research library and archives, which has an excellent collection of books, articles and stein lecture videotapes. Most of these items are available for members to borrow. The SCI website includes a number of online articles about beer steins, plus features like Stein of the Month, Selling/Seeking where collectors can list items they want or have available for sale, and SteinTalk, a forum for stein collectors.

Membership in SCI is $25 per year in the USA ($30 for overseas), of which $20 is used for a one-year subscription to Prosit. Members are eligible to attend SCI’s annual convention, to join local chapters, and to borrow items from the SCI research library and archives. For more information about stein collecting or SCI, write to PO Box 3036, Silverdale, WA 98383, or visit the SCI website at http://steincollectors.org.