Two exceptionally fine Mettlach steins, one clearly marked by Villeroy & Boch, the other with a hard to read stamp, almost certainly also Villeroy & Boch. Both are beautifully decorated, with pewter lids and hinges. The first stein has a scene of a gentleman in early 19th century clothing, with a walking stick, offering something to a shy young lady who is seated with a book. The decoration of the stein is very ornate, in blue with a tan background. The ceramic handle is topped with a very ornate finial, and the lid is quite handsome, with a turned finial on top. The stein has stamps and writing fired into the underside of the base. The numbers are 1184/559 over 1/2 There is also a Roman numeral X. There is a stamp as well, almost certainly a Villeroy and Boch stamp, but it is not clear. Size: 10 3/8 inches tall. Very fine and highly decorated Villeroy & Boch stein, with a scene of a festival, possibly May Day, in front of a Beer Hall, with revelers and musicians. There is a lute player, a jester, a variety of townspeople, and in the center an older man wearing a crown of grains, and a long green gown. To one side is a small figure of a devil or fiend. There is a small stone along the pathway with the letters V&B on it. In the background is a castle. The Beer Hall is named, "Krug Grunen Krause." The ceramic handle is topped with a pewter hinge with a tall shield-shaped finial, leading to a decorated pewter lid. The base is clearly marked with a Villeroy & Boch stamp, and the word "GCSCUTZ" under the number 72. There are several other numbers and letters stamped into the ceramic bottom that are only partially legible. Size: 9 3/4 inches tall. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $40.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance. Discounts given on combined lot shipping. Both are excellent. The second stein has a few minor marks on the beige ceramic body.