What are mug match holders?
Match holder mugs or steins date from the 1890s to the 1920s and are near exact in shape of standard size mugs but in small scale. They can be found made of pottery, porcelain, or glass. They generally measure between 2 3/8" and 2 1/2" tall, but most measure approximately 2 1/4" tall. Some of the manufacturers known to have produced mini mugs include Thuemler, Villeroy & Boch, Arthur Schiller & Co., Meriden, Connecticut Decorating Works, Homer Laughlin, Bauer, Lenox, and Uhl. Most ceramic mugs were likely made in Germany as blanks and sent to various pottery or porcelain factories where a printed label was applied and then fired in a kiln which fixated the glaze colors on the ceramic surface.
Although there is an abundance of mini mugs or steins found in varying shapes and sizes, aside from some common or modern varieties, genuine vintage mug match holders infrequently come up for sale. This makes building a collection a test of patience.
Although there is an abundance of mini mugs or steins found in varying shapes and sizes, aside from some common or modern varieties, genuine vintage mug match holders infrequently come up for sale. This makes building a collection a test of patience.
Mini mugs were given away or sold as promotional keepsakes or souvenirs. Some, such as those produced by Villeroy & Boch do not have a striker, but have a manufacturer's mark and the words "Made in Germany" instead. Since match striker mugs do not have a manufacturer's mark, determining who produced them is difficult.
'Stein Match Holder' with prices from the Meriden, CT. Decorating Works.
Hugo Thuemler operated out of Rochester from 1898 to 1901. From 1901 to 1908, the Pittsburg mark was used on his wares.
What differentiates a mini mug match holder from simply being a small mug is the presence of a circular pattern found on the base of the mug which acts as a striker. A small number can be found with an attached hinged-pewter lid, or attached tray.
Match Striker
Mini Mug with Attached Tray
Villeroy & Boch Mini Mug with Attached Pewter Lid
Villeroy & Boch steins technically may not be considered match holders since no striker is present.
Copyright © 2010 Ed Sipos. All Rights Reserved.
