Product Details

Fantastic antique stoneware tavern mug / beer stein featuring the wonderfully unusual period motto: “Poverty is the Soap that protects us from filthy lucre.” This chunky old drinking vessel has a classic cylindrical form, thick rounded handle, warm cream-to-buff glaze, dark printed lettering, and loads of authentic surface character. Heavy overall crazing, staining, glaze variation, firing irregularities, and age-related wear give it exactly the primitive look collectors love in early utilitarian stoneware. A great conversation piece for collectors of antique tavern ware, American stoneware, beer steins, saloon memorabilia, breweriana, primitive pottery, historic barware, motto mugs, and early drinking vessels. The tongue-in-cheek saying gives it strong folk humor and makes it especially fun displayed in a home bar, brewery, pub, man cave, primitive kitchen, antique cupboard, or crock collection. Style it alongside old whiskey jugs, advertising crocks, salt glaze pottery, beer bottles, antique pitchers, and other Americana or country primitive decor. It also fits beautifully with rustic farmhouse, old tavern, colonial, folk art, and vintage brewery styling. Condition shows significant age-related crazing, staining, discoloration, glaze wear, surface marks, and other antique character. These imperfections contribute to its wonderfully aged appearance. Please review all photos carefully for exact condition, especially the rim, handle, base, and body.