GERMAN METTLACH BOWLING MOTIF CERAMIC STEINS, LOT OF TWO, mold numbers 2957 and 2959, each having etched sides with polychrome hand-painted decorations, ceramic inset lids, and metal thumbrests, 1/2 liter size, comprising one featuring a scene with a young boy and a homemade outdoor bowling set-up and one depicting a boy and his bowling pigs. Marks to underside include impressed abbey with "METTLACH / VB", "GES. GESCH.", and additional impressed numerals. Late 19th/early 20th century. 8 3/8" HOA.
Literature: Kirsner - The Mettlach Book, third edition, p. 134, fig. top, far right and p. 135, fig. top left.

Mold 2959 example undamaged; mold 2957 having two minute glaze flakes to rim and some very light interior discoloration. Manufacturing flaws including mold 2957 example including some glaze imperfections, as made.