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African American Men Tending A Horse (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

African American Men Tending A Horse (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
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African American Men Tending A Horse (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This design reproduces a sepia photograph from the 1860s in which African American men care for a horse during the U.S. Civil War, a moment of ordinary wartime labour recorded in close detail.

Visual Elements & Composition

Sepia brown dominates the image, softened by pale cream highlights and deepened by dark brown in the shadows, giving it the tone of an albumen print on card. A group of uniformed men stands on a wooden porch, while a man sits astride a saddled horse and another holds the animal by the bridle. A log building with a shingled roof anchors the background. The card's printed credit line, "Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by M.B. Brady," runs along the edge, a reminder that the picture was made as a document and not as a keepsake.

Meaning & Symbolism

The horse is the subject as much as the men. Cavalry, artillery and supply trains depended on animals, and the people who fed, groomed and shod them kept the army moving. Before Black men were enlisted in the United States Colored Troops in large numbers from 1863, they were already doing this essential work for the Union. The photograph therefore records African American agency and labour at a time when that contribution was rarely written into the official story, and it shows the daily reality behind the war's larger narratives.

Why This Design Suits a Mug

A mug is held in both hands and turned slowly while the coffee cools, so the viewer moves around the scene rather than taking it in at once. Each turn brings the porch, the horse and the bridle into view in sequence, much as a patient eye would read a worn card. Keep it on the desk for a quiet morning, and let the men at work in the old photograph set the pace of the day.

Size

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Sturdy white ceramic mugs available in 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml), with a glossy finish and comfortable C-handle — microwave and dishwasher safe, and made from lead- and BPA-free materials.

These mugs are built from durable white ceramic so colors pop cleanly and prints read with strong contrast. A smooth, glossy glaze gives each mug a lively sheen and makes it easy to wipe clean after daily use.

Both sizes feature a classic C-shaped handle that feels natural in the hand; whether you sip slowly or gulp quickly, the grip is steady. Safety-wise, the ceramic is processed to be lead- and BPA-free — suitable for everyday drinking.

  • Material: white ceramic with a glossy glaze for bright, clear prints.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) to suit small and generous pours.
  • Handle: comfortable C-handle for balanced holding and easy lifting.
  • Safety: lead-free and BPA-free for peace of mind with every cup.
  • Finish: glossy surface that highlights saturated inks and smooth detail.

Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a rich hot chocolate — these mugs fit comfortably in most cabinets and cupholders. They’re also a reliable choice for office kitchens where items see frequent use.

  1. Everyday use: safe for hot liquids and daily serving; the wider 15 oz option works great for larger morning routines or extra-steamy drinks.
  2. Office-friendly: the classic profile stacks easily with similar mugs and sits securely on standard saucers and trays.
  3. Gift idea: a practical, well-finished mug is useful and simple to display or wrap for gifting.

Quick note: while the mugs are dishwasher-safe, treating them gently helps keep the print looking fresh longer (see Care tab).

These mugs are rated for microwave and dishwasher use, but small habits extend their life. Run them on the top rack of the dishwasher and avoid high-temperature commercial cycles whenever possible.

For longest-lasting print clarity: hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, avoid abrasive scouring pads, and don’t let them soak in strong detergents. When microwaving, use short intervals and avoid empty heating.

Available sizes: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml) and 15 oz (approximately 440 ml). The 11 oz is a classic coffee size; the 15 oz gives extra room for cream, froth, or larger servings.

Each mug has a standard-width mouth for easy sipping and cleaning; height and diameter vary slightly between sizes to maintain comfortable proportions and sturdy balance.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.74 4.61
Diameter (in) 3.15 3.43

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.