4. There are many types of German beer steins and German tankards. One of the most bought sold and collected types are Character Steins. One of the best collections of rare and unique character mugs can be found at Munich Steins, www.munichsteins.com, including antique character tankards. The variety of characters, forms and lids are as diverse as is the manufactures and artist who design them, such as Merkelbach& Wick, Mettlach, Rastal, Musterschutz and Schierholz. Many German beer stein books have been published to include large sections on subject and include stein prices and auction information. Munich Steins has one of the largest selections of antique tankard photos in the world, take a look and you too will be appreciate the beauty of these rare antiques.