Antique 1899 Mettlach Villeroy & Boch 3.3L Master Pitcher and Charger Set, German Breweriana Stoneware #2348 #2087, Turn of the Century Gift

Bring a magnificent piece of German history into your home with this authentic turn-of-the-century Mettlach presentation set by Villeroy & Boch — acquired from a Central California Coast private estate that housed a remarkable and extensive collection of European antiques. Crafted in 1899, this heirloom duo includes a massive 3.3-liter master pitcher and its original matching deep-welled under-charger platter.

The front of the pitcher showcases a beautifully detailed romantic scene of a dancing peasant couple in traditional German attire, titled “Music, Love and Drinking in Folklife.” The companion platter features six elegant Gothic-scripted rhyming folk verses celebrating fellowship, good drinks, and a carefree life. Both pieces bear matching incised “99” date codes confirming they are a completely synchronous, original factory pairing from 1899.

About Villeroy & Boch / Mettlach

Founded in 1748 in the Lorraine region of France, Villeroy & Boch is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious ceramics manufacturers. The Mettlach factory — established in a former Benedictine abbey in the Saarland region of Germany — became the company’s crown jewel, producing the celebrated stoneware steins, pitchers, and platters that collectors prize to this day. A piece dated 1899 sits at the very pinnacle of this golden period.

Details

• Maker: Mettlach (Villeroy & Boch)
• Origin: Saarland, Germany (stamped with the Mettlach Abbey Mark)
• Pitcher: Mold #2348 / Decoration #1022
• Platter: Mold #2087
• Era: Victorian / Turn-of-the-Century (1899)
• Material: Glazed stoneware with pewter lid
• Capacity: 3.3 liters

Condition Report

Overall: Good Display Condition. Significant structural defect noted on pitcher; charger is pristine.

Master Pitcher (Mold #2348): The colorful incised romantic folk-life scene remains vibrant with excellent color retention and minimal glaze crazing. Original pewter lid and hinge are structurally sound and operate smoothly. A significant structural stress crack is present on the upper backside of the body, propagating directly from the metal handle mount joint. Light antique staining and localized glaze wear visible along the interior and exterior of the upper rim.

Under-Charger Platter (Mold #2087): Pristine / Mint Antique Condition. No chips, cracks, hairlines, or previous repairs. Gothic-scripted folk verses and decorative borders entirely intact and crisp.

Important — Functional Integrity: Due to the crack at the primary load-bearing joint of the handle, the pitcher cannot safely hold liquids or be lifted by the handle. This set is strictly designated for stationary architectural display. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the condition description.

Comparable Market Value

$850 — based on current auction pricing for Mettlach #2348 master pitchers with matching chargers in display condition at specialist German stoneware and breweriana auctions.