METTLACH STEIN CATALOG"

“Military Joke”

Catalog No. 2191

Pottery, etched (Etruscan style), 0.5L, inlaid lid, signed by H. Schlitt.

Text:
SAC. RA. V. EN. D.E. R. DIE. C.AT. ISI TAN.B.IN. ILA CIR. T.
(See explanation/translation below.)

Although it may appear to be Latin at first glance, the letter string on this stein and on its mate (No. 2192), were actually phonetic puzzles that explained the “joke” depicted on the stein. When “sounded out” in 19th century colloquial German dialect, the text on this stein reads: “Sacra! Ven der die cati sit, tan bin I lakiert!” which converts more formally to: Sakra! Wenn der die Kathi sieht, dann bin ich lackiert!” and in English to: “Damn! If he catches sight of Kathy, I’ll really be in for it!”

Price Range: $600-$750

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Lid Inlay
 
     
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Mettlach 2191

 




 
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