Antique 1/2 L. Simon Peter Gerz Westerwald Historismus Stoneware Stein Mold# 874

Description

Lovely and striking 1/2 liter Westerwald stoneware Historismus beer stein, manufactured by Simon Peter Gerz sometime between 1870-1885, with a front-facing motto within a circular cartouche, geometric arabesque designs within circles on either side at 4:00 o'clock and 8:00 o'clock, respectively, and simple scrollwork filling the areas in between. Appears to be Gerz mold number 874 , but with a fancier and more substantial applied twist handle than the plain type i've seen otherwise featured on this model.
Stein is unmarked, aside from the capacity ("0.5L."), which is stamped into the upper band near the handle; the entire piece is decorated in beautiful cobalt blue and mottled manganese salt glaze.
Original pewter lid is quite interesting, having an assortment of creatures depicted on it, including: a fish speared upon a 2-pronged gig, a monkey, either a cat (?) or a devil sitting upright with long tail, and, of course, a beer stein, all sitting amongst a groundwork of scrolling, stylized foliage. Lid may have lost the top portion of its thumb rest (see photos) - this is not certain, as any loss occurred so long ago that the potential break spot has worn smooth. This makes me question that this is indeed damage, and although this could certainly be the way it was made, I thought it best to mention, as it seems to be an unusual construction for a finished rest on such a an otherwise fantastical, ornately designed lid. The only definite bit of damage is a small front bottom edge chip (see last photo).
Front motto reads: "Drin und drauß Schau fröhlich in die Welt hinaus" (roughly, "Inside and outside, look happily out into the world"). Measurements are: 5 1/8" height of stein without lid & 5 1/2" with lid closed; top rim diameter 3"; bottom diameter 4".
Please contact me with any questions, and don't hesitate to request additional photos if they're needed; I'd rather do a bit more work to ensure that all can bid with 100% confidence. Winner pays .00 shipping via USPS priority mail - stein will be packaged and mailed with great care.
Thanks for looking and best of luck!