Rheinhold Merkelbach Rhein Castles Stoneware Ornamental Mug in Cobalt Blue

Title: Rheinhold Merkelbach Rhein Castles Stoneware Ornamental Mug in Cobalt Blue.
Manufacturer: Rheinhold Merkelbach, Made in Germany circa 1950's.
Height: 8cm
Diameter: 9cm.
Volume: 125cl.
Total width with Handle: 11cm.
Info: Raised images of Castles along the Rhein River in Germany. Marked with RMG and with the number 3499 A on the base. Cobalt Blue colouring makes it a striking and tactile piece.
Although the family Merkelbach traces its known history as potters back to Peter Merkelbach (b. Grenzhausen, circa 1660; d. after 1706) the firm that we generally refer to as Reinhold Merkelbach was founded as Merkelbach Manufaktur by Wilhelm Merkelbach in 1843.
After his untimely death in 1859, his son Wilhelm Reinhold Merkelbach, then only 12, began helping his mother with operation of the firm. Initially the firms offerings consisted of basic, household products (i.e., drain pipes, jugs, measuring vessels, storage vessels, etc.). There was little or no artistic character in these utilitarian pieces.
The son, who went by his middle name Reinhold, soon began exerting more influence, renaming the firm Reinhold Merkelbach in 1883. It was during this period that the company began a shift in production toward art pottery, including beer steins. The process began gradually, but by 1885 production was firmly focused on these artistic wares. Business continued up to 2007 when it finally closed. The closing of the company did not spell the complete end of Merkelbach wares being produced. An arrangement was crafted with Töpferei M. Girmscheid whereby a license was purchased by Girmscheid to produce steins to be sold under the names Merkelbach Jugendstil and Merkelbach by Girmscheid. Additionally, all remaining Merkelbach product molds and patterns were transferred to Girmscheid, which is still manufacturing Merkelbach products to this day.
The G stamp encircling the RM was in use from 1945 to 1964. (beerstein.net)
Condition: Excellent, a well cared for piece, no issues on the vintage stoneware piece.
Price: R 125.00 Inc Vat.