Beer Stein - The Lid

The Lid

Although they have long gone out of fashion, the lids on beer mugs serve as a sanitary measure especially to keep insects out of the beer. They are usually made out of pewter, and are usually equipped with a lever that is in reach of the thumb, so that it is possible to grab the mug and open and close the lid with a single hand (if one can hold the weight, that is).

These days beer mats are usually used to cover the glass or mug when required.