17"+ Large European Copper Water Jug? Help!

[HistoryTeacher]

I got this at an estate sale that was all modern household stuff and Christmas stuff. I do well with vintage barware and thought it might be some unusual bar piece. My next thought was that it was a modern Big Lots / Target designed planter or something. When I looked closer, I saw that it was all copper with a small brass piece. I asked if they knew what it was and the owner said it was for putting out fires with ash or something. I got it for $4 figuring that I could easily make it back in scrap copper if it turned out to be junk. It also has that 1970's home décor look.

It is 17"+ tall with a 10.5" diameter base.

I can't find a makers mark.

I have been googling for two days and can't find anything like it.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.

If the designs are to be any guide, this seems Austria (with the two headed eagle and the architecture).

 

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[randazzo1]

I don’t think it’s modern. At least some parts are hand repousse - like the architectural scene. Yeah Austria (or that general area) makes sense. I’m gonna say 1880s or earlier.

 

[randazzo1]

17"+ Large European Copper Water Jug? Help!

One that has the same general shape as yours (and an eagle like that coincidentally) is identified on “beerstein.net” as being from the 1700s - so maybe a lot earlier.

 

[Rookster]

Very nice find.Congrats

 

[HistoryTeacher]

I don’t think it’s modern. At least some parts are hand repousse - like the architectural scene. Yeah Austria (or that general area) makes sense. I’m gonna say 1880s or earlier.

Thanks. Using "repousse" in my searches has helped turn up some similar jugs/ewers (usually brass), but nothing close to the design on the one I found.

 

[randazzo1]

This one has a similar lid. They’re thinking 1870 https://m.ebay.com/itm/Amsterdam-Co...336740?hash=item2600de7724:g:qQkAAOSwtDdaeyVD

 

[tamrock]

That things pretty wild.

 

[HistoryTeacher]

This one has a similar lid. They’re thinking 1870 https://m.ebay.com/itm/Amsterdam-Co...336740?hash=item2600de7724:g:qQkAAOSwtDdaeyVD

Good find: the design of that jug/stein/ewer/pitcher is very, very similar (except for its lack of detailed designs and its missing the brass knob). Your guess about 1880's or before looks pretty dang close. Their stein is actually marked. I messaged the sellers to see what size theirs is. I can't imagine carrying beer in this; it has to be able to hold two gallons or more.

 

[Hillbilly Prince]

Isn't that a griffin on the side? Very nice.

 

[GibH]

Kind of a tough one. All the coat of arms I found showed the double headed eagle holding a sword and an orb. Neither of those look like an orb on the stein. Then I found this one, Franz Joseph, emperor of Austria (1848—1916):

I have no idea about the demon (or whatever it is).

 

[niffler]

I would keep it just because of the werewolf creature. I am sure you can make a good bit of money on it though. I have not seen anything like it, it's cool.

 

[LISteve]

I also believe the demon side of the jug is of a werewolf. There are folk stories/beliefs of these creatures long ago. Here is one story of The Neffer Werewolf of Austria. https://www.werewolves.com/the-neffer-werewolf-of-austria/

Steve G

 

[HistoryTeacher]

Kind of a tough one. All the coat of arms I found showed the double headed eagle holding a sword and an orb. Neither of those look like an orb on the stein. Then I found this one, Franz Joseph, emperor of Austria (1848—1916):

I have no idea about the demon (or whatever it is).

You are right about the crest; it is usually an orb. Good chance it was added as cool decoration not as piece for court.

 

[HistoryTeacher]

The seller of the similar shaped one on eBay couldn't give me exact measurements, but it seems to be the same size as mine just lacks the decor. I feel confident that they come from the same maker, but I have the deluxe one!
I hadn't thought of the that creature as a werewolf, but I see it now and concur.
I probably won't get much closer on this, but I feel pretty good about it now. I am confident that it is European (most likely Austrian or made for sale in Austria) and from the late 1800's or early 1900's and includes a Habsburg crest, griffin and werewolf. What a weird piece.
Thanks for all the help. I'll be keeping this one.

 

[OldWest]

It sure looks like a beer stein to me, though an ancient one. The shape surely is reminiscent of modern designs. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't many of these still around. Steins have a tendency to last a long time, being heirlooms etc. Very cool!

 

[DFW_THer]

link to ebay if you post it for sale, please. I'd like to watch it... Cool find

 

[namxat]

Double Eagle is either Austria - Hungary or Russia.

Ruling Russia out since they dont have much romantic mountaintop castles, I vote for Austria

 

[GibH]

You are right about the crest; it is usually an orb. Good chance it was added as cool decoration not as piece for court.

I was not suggesting it was used at court, just looking for a corresponding crest to narrow the date.

 

[trdking]

No hallmarks on bottom? or?

 

[HistoryTeacher]

It sure looks like a beer stein to me, though an ancient one. The shape surely is reminiscent of modern designs. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't many of these still around. Steins have a tendency to last a long time, being heirlooms etc. Very cool!

I agree. It looks very like a stein...a giant 17" one.