Beer mugs are sturdy drinking receptacles.http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/mug_1 http://www.beermasters.com/content/beer-gifts-and-supplies/the-history-of-glass-bottom-beer-mugs Also known as a tankard, they have been in use in Germany since the fourteenth century. This was when beer steins, mugs with hinged lids, came into use to keep bugs out of drinks after the Black Plague.http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/weekly/german_beer_steins_history.htm Tankard use in Great Britain dates back to 1485.http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=58893#s2 Beer mugs can be made from many different materials. Glass, porcelain, stoneware, pewter and crystal are among some of the materials used.http://www.beersteinsandmugs.com/

Until the end of the Victorian era, pub-goers used pewter mugs to drink beer. These mugs would hide the bits of sediment that would float in the beer.http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jun/13/history-of-the-british-beer-glass With the development of modern filtration systems, glass beer mugs came into use. Mass production of beer mugs started in the 1920s in Europe since Prohibition was still in effect in United States. The first type of mug produced was the ten-sided handled pint mug.http://www.beerscenemag.com/2010/10/the-dimpled-mug/

Decorative beer mugs and steins can be collector's items to many people. These mugs can be made of pewter, ceramic or glass, be of varying sizes and feature pictures for decoration. Collector's mugs may also be personalized with names or with a family crest. Another distinction that collectors may prefer is the type of glass used to make the beer mug, such as hand-blown or pressed methods. http://www.drinkfocus.com/articles/beer/breweriana/beer-mugs.php

Beer mug collectors can be found all over the world. Many started off small by collecting other types of beer-related products. Some of these items are what can be found free at bars such as match books or coasters. In time, they moved up to collecting items such as beer mugs. People often find various collectible beer mugs at fairs, flea markets and garage sales. Many stores and websites that carry regular glassware also carry beer mugs. Coupons are available online for extra savings on beer mugs.http://www.retailmenot.com/view/discountmugs.com http://www.drinkfocus.com/articles/beer/breweriana/index.php