Antique 1886 Student Beer Stein Glass Pewter Eagle Porcelain Crest Swiss German

Description

Antique German or Swiss University Student Association beer stein.
Panelled heavy glass body with applied 'C' handle which fits low on glass.
Heavy pewter thumblift with detailed Prussian Eagle.
Porcelain inlay lid which features a Coat of Arms.
Under the lid is the following inscription:
Hie Signifer Statue Signum Hic Manebimus Optime
Fritz Mousson
s/b
Rudolf Schinz
z.Fr.Er.
29 Nov 1886
The pewter rim near the Eagle has been deliberately engraved with four straight lines. These lines represented the number of duels fought or the number of cuts given or received during a duel (along with debate and political expression, these student associations also engaged in sabre dueling as a physical activity)
The first line is Latin and is a rallying cry for dedication and perseverence despite adversity.
In this particular case, Fritz Mousson would have been a mentor to Rudolf Schinz
The inscription "z.Fr.Er." is an abbreviated code which was typical for a Student Association steins. It means "Zur Freundlich Erinnerung" which translates to "In Friendly Remembrance"
The stein stands a total of 7 inches high, including the eagle. It is in excellent condition for age. There is a scrape on the base of the glass, fine scratches in the resting surface and some tiny nicks in the bottom edge. Weight is about 2 lbs.
A wonderful piece of history
The Coat of Arms on the lid may be a German or Swiss German design.
In doing some research I did find a Fritz Mousson who was President of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich in 1892.