Mustache Stein Value Guide

This mid-century Mustache Stein, produced by the Japanese company Lego, represents a functional solution to the era's grooming trends. While the design originated in the 1860s with Harvey Adams, these 1950s-1960s ceramic versions were popular novelty exports designed to keep mustache wax intact and facial hair dry.

What Is Mustache Stein Worth?

The typical price range for Mustache Stein is $15 - $16 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original 'Lego' foil sticker or clear bottom stamp significantly impacts collector interest.
• Condition of the ceramic, specifically looking for chips in the delicate internal mustache guard.
• The vibrancy of the glaze and lack of crazing, which is common in mid-century Japanese ceramics.

How to Identify Mustache Stein?

• Look for the internal ceramic ledge or 'bridge' positioned near the rim to protect facial hair.
• Check the base for the 'Lego' brand stamp, indicating the Japanese ceramic exporter rather than the toy company.
• Identify the specific mid-century glaze and ceramic weight characteristic of Japanese imports from the 1950-1960 era.

History of Mustache Stein

In the Victorian era and through the mid-20th century, elaborate facial hair was a status symbol. British potter Harvey Adams invented the mustache cup in the 1860s to solve the problem of tea and beer saturating the mustache or melting mustache wax. This specific mid-century version was produced by Lego, a Japanese company unrelated to the Danish toy brand, known for exporting novelty ceramics to the American market.