Original WMF Bundeswehr Presentation Beer Stein – 30 Years of Military Service

An authentic WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) crystal beer stein with its original pewter lid, specially engraved as a presentation gift for a career soldier of the German Bundeswehr.

Unlike ordinary souvenir steins, this is a genuine military presentation piece awarded in recognition of 30 years of distinguished military service.

The original WMF green label is still attached to the glass, and the pewter lid is factory marked WMF Zinn Germany.

Engraving

Zum 30 jährigen Dienstjubiläum

vom

Uffz./Offiz.-Corps

3./Pz Aufkl. Btl. 6

Translation

“Presented on the occasion of the 30-year service anniversary by the Non-Commissioned Officers’ and Officers’ Corps of the 3rd Company, Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion 6.”

This indicates the stein was presented by the unit leadership to a long-serving professional soldier as a commemorative gift for his military career.

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Historical Background

The engraving refers to 3rd Company, Panzeraufklärungsbataillon 6 (Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion 6) of the Bundeswehr (West German Army).

The battalion was established in 1958 during the Cold War and was stationed in Eutin, Schleswig-Holstein. It formed part of the 6th Panzergrenadier Division, one of NATO’s front-line formations responsible for defending northern West Germany.

Unlike regular tank battalions, Panzeraufklärungsbataillone were the “eyes and ears” of the army. Their mission was to move ahead of the main force, locate enemy positions, gather intelligence, identify ambushes, and report battlefield information before combat units advanced. These reconnaissance soldiers operated highly mobile armored vehicles such as the Spähpanzer Luchs, TPz Fuchs, and, during some periods, Leopard 1 tanks assigned to heavy reconnaissance companies.

During the Cold War they would have been among the very first NATO units to encounter Warsaw Pact forces in the event of an invasion.

Presentation steins like this were traditionally given by fellow officers and senior non-commissioned officers to commemorate important career milestones, particularly retirement or long-service anniversaries.

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Manufacturer

* Original WMF crystal glass

* Original WMF pewter lid

* Original WMF factory label still attached

* WMF Zinn Germany hallmark inside lid

* Handle marked Germany

* Professionally engraved military presentation

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Condition

Very good vintage condition.

* Lid functions correctly.

* Original WMF sticker remains attached.

* Light signs of age and use consistent with vintage military presentation items.

* Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

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A Rare Collectible

This is not a commercial souvenir beer stein, but a genuine Bundeswehr presentation piece connected to a specific Cold War military unit.

It represents a unique combination of:

* Original WMF craftsmanship

* Bundeswehr military history

* Cold War memorabilia

* Long-service presentation award

* Armoured reconnaissance unit history

An excellent addition to any collection of German militaria, Cold War artifacts, military presentation gifts, or quality WMF beer steins.