Antique German Silver Beer Stein Oktoberfest Münchner Kindl Souvenir Charm

  

Antique German Silver Beer Stein Oktoberfest Münchner Kindl Souvenir Charm. Superb antique German 800 silver puffed (hollow) Münchner Kindl souvenir beer stein charm.

The back is engraved:'Gruss aus Muenchen' or'Greeting from Munich'. The front shows a little boy wearing a pointy hood and a long robe, and holding a radish and beer stein.

This symbol has been the coat-of-arms of Munich since the 13th century. The figure portrayed was originally a monk (or friar) holding a book, but by the 16th century it evolved in different portrayals into the figure of a small child wearing a pointed hood, often shown holding a beer mug and a radish. It has been theorized that the name for the city of Munich (München in German) comes from the term "Kloster von Mönchen" or "Cloister for Monks" due to the Imperial Abbey of Tegernsee, a Benedictine Monastery near which the original town of Munich was built. The image in its different configurations has appeared on countless different objects, from atop the city hall in Munich to manhole covers and even beer steins.

The gender of the figure has also changed over the years: from a clearly male, to a gender-neutral child, to a small girl. Nowadays when the kindl is portrayed by a person - for instance, as a mascot for Oktoberfest - it is usually enacted by a young woman.

It is possible that the Münchner Kindl was the inspiration for the Munchkins in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 15/16" by 11/16" not counting the jump ring. Condition: Very good to excellent antique/vintage condition.

As it is hollow, it has a little air hole in the back. Material: At least 800 silver. All my pictures are enlarged and magnified to make it easier for you to view the detail/condition of an item and to point out any'flaws' or'imperfections' it might have. Please note that magnified photos show'flaws' or'imperfections' that are not visible to the naked eye. Please check out all the pictures as they are also part of the description. If you have additional questions regarding this item, feel free to contact me. THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY SITE!

Tracking is available in select destination countries. Thank you for your understanding! I will usually respond within 24 hours or faster. If you do not receive a reply within 24 hours, I have not received your message, please send it again! The item "Antique German Silver Beer Stein Oktoberfest Münchner Kindl Souvenir Charm" is in sale since Sunday, January 18, 2015.

This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Charms & Charm Bracelets". The seller is "charmingobjects" and is located in Austin, Texas.

This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Brand: Unbranded
• Metal: Silver
• Metal Purity: 800 SILVER
• Material: SILVER ART NOUVEAU Münchner Kindl SOUVENIR CHARM
• Type: ANTIQUEMünchner Kindl SOUVENIR CHARM
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
• Time Period: ANTIQUE 1880/1910
• Style: SILVER ART NOUVEAU BAVARIAN OKTOBERFEST CHARM
• Country of Manufacture: GERMANY
• Main Stone: No Stone