A gorgeous antique 1L Wooden Beer Stein made in Norway circa 1770, known as a Karellian Birch Lion Peg Tankard.   These are often referred to as burl wood, but other sources have identified the species of wood as Karellian Birch, similar to bird's eye maple. It is hand-carved and from the time period of the 18th century around 1770.

Norwegian Ceremonial ‘Lion’ Peg Tankards: These tankards were made of finely figured wood and the earliest date to the 17th century. The lion – the Royal Norwegian emblem – was often used as a national symbol on these tankards. In Norway, it was the custom for such ceremonial tankards to be used at wedding feasts. In some cases, they were used by subsequent generations of the original owner’s family, and so later dates and initials would be carved to the lids or bases. Peg tankards received their name from the being marked inside with a series of pegs or pins, fixed into the interior at regular intervals. The tankards would have been filled with ale, cider or wine and then passed from hand to hand during the feast, each guest draining enough liquid until the next peg was showing. The generous proportions of the tankard and the size of each measure of alcohol suggest that it would have been rather difficult to stay sober. This tankard has a capacity of 1L.

The tankard measures 8 3/4" to the top of the lion thumb lift and measures approximately 5 1/2" in diameter. There is an age related crack in the back from the hinge mount down through the pegs attaching the handle. One of the figural lion feet has a small older chip and there is a scratch as well, from the chipped foot up the side of the body about half way. Please see all photos closely as these are part of the description. These are all fairly minor considering it is over 250 years old.

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