Germany in the 19th century had become a major world power and it was required that all eligible males spend 2 to 3 years in the military. When their duty was up, it was not unusual for them to purchase a souvenir in remembrance of their service and of their comrades-in-arms. What better way then a beer stein made of porcelain, pottery, stoneware or glass and what better then a stein decorated in the regimental colors and symbols of the branch of service that the recruit served in. These steins were painted with the military unit, the town or city they served in and the name of the recruit on his own personal stein. Today looking at these steins one can see a complete story of the recruit's life in the military.