Beer mug with lid 925 silver niello — Tankard hand engraving

A lid belongs on a pitcher like a seal on a letter – it closes, it protects, and it makes the piece complete. This beer stein made of 925 sterling silver has a hinged lid on the handle that is pressed open with the thumb when drinking and closes by itself when set down. 300 ml capacity, 341 grams in weight, a wide base ring for a firm stand. The floral niello ornament runs as a band around the body: leaves and tendrils between diamond-shaped bands, hand-engraved into the silver and fused in the flame. The surface alternates between polished silver and deep niello-black – a contrast that becomes sharper with each passing year.

Why the lid is more than tradition

Historically, beer steins had lids for a practical reason: during the plague in the 16th century, German cities ordered that drinking vessels had to be covered — against flies, dust and worse. What began as a hygiene regulation became a status symbol: the more elaborate the lid, the wealthier the owner. On this silver tankard, the lid sits on a polished hinge on the handle and closes flush with the rim. A thumb lever opens it when drinking, and it closes when set down. In the beer garden, it keeps wasps out; at the banquet table, it maintains the temperature. And in the display case, a closed lidded stein simply looks more complete than an open one.

341 Grams of Craftsmanship in Hand

This tankard is the heaviest piece in our beer stein line — 341 grams of pure sterling silver. This is due to the lid, the solid base ring, and the wall thickness needed for the niello engraving to reach deep enough into the silver. You feel it immediately in your hand: no comparison to a glass mug, no comparison to ceramic. This is metal that cools, that rings when clinking, that is wiped clean after every beer and becomes more beautiful in the process.

The SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug produces this mug in 15 steps. From the silver mold to the hand engraving of the ornament, to the fusing of the niello and the final polishing — every step by hand. The lid itself is manufactured separately and assembled to the handle with a hinge. Slight deviations between two pieces are not a defect, but rather the silversmith's signature.

The Right Gift for the Right Man

Round Birthday: For a 50th, 60th, or 70th — a beer stein that won't be put in a cupboard and forgotten. 341 grams of silver with niello say: "You're worth it." The lid makes it a showpiece on the birthday table.

Father's Day: Not a beer glass with a saying, not a beer mug from a flea market. But a tankard made of real silver, with a hinged lid and hand engraving. The gift that makes Dad's ritual — every Friday evening, a beer from the silver stein.

Retirement and Anniversary: After 30 or 40 years of service, a piece that says: "You've earned this." A lidded tankard made of 925 silver is a gift that colleagues can chip in for, and that will forever stand on the office shelf or mantelpiece.

Expandable: The lidded tankard stands on its own — but it has an open sister: the beer stein with a crab motif without a lid. Both hold 300 ml, both come from the SevChern manufactory. Together they form a pair: classically closed and classically open.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lidded Beer Stein

Why do old beer steins have a lid?
Originally for hygienic reasons — in the 16th century, lids became mandatory in many German cities to protect beer from flies and dust. Today, the lid is tradition, temperature protection, and a status symbol all in one. On this silver tankard, it functions via a hinge on the handle — thumb pressure opens it, releasing closes it.

Can the tankard actually be used for drinking beer?
Yes — 925 sterling silver is food-safe. Silver cools better than glass, imparts no flavor, and the niello texture creates a stable head of foam. Clean with warm water, do not put in the dishwasher.

What distinguishes this tankard from the crab model?
This tankard has a hinged lid (341 g), the crab model is open (276 g) and features a crayfish in a medallion. Both hold 300 ml and come from the SevChern manufactory.

Is engraving possible?
Upon request — initials, a date, or a family crest can be engraved on the lid, handle, or base ring. We will determine the best position for your piece.

Is the tankard also available without niello, in silver only?
SevChern also offers beer steins in pure silver, without niello or gilding — classically polished or with pure engraving. These variants are available upon request and will be added to our shop if there is interest.