Home / Coffee Mugs & Cups / Alexandria, Virginia. Slave Pen. (Price, Birch & Company Dealers In Slaves) (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug
  • Black-and-white stereograph of whitewashed brick buildings and trees along a dirt street behind a white fence.
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Alexandria, Virginia. Slave Pen. (Price, Birch & Company Dealers In Slaves) (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Alexandria, Virginia. Slave Pen. (Price, Birch & Company Dealers In Slaves) (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

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$17.99 USD
$17.99 USD
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Alexandria, Virginia. Slave Pen. (Price, Birch & Company Dealers In Slaves) (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This design reproduces a black and white stereograph of the Price, Birch & Company slave pen in Alexandria, Virginia, a documentary record of one of the sites where enslaved people were held before being sold south.

Visual Elements & Composition

The image is built as a stereograph pair: two side-by-side rectangles framed by a dark vignetted border that pulls the eye to the centre. Whitewashed brick buildings line a dirt street, with large shade trees overhanging the roofs and a white wooden fence running along the roadway. Greys dominate, from the pale whitewash and sky to the dusty road and the near-black foliage. A small animal rests on the road, the only moment of ease in an otherwise sober scene.

Meaning & Symbolism

Alexandria was a major centre of the domestic slave trade in the years leading up to and during the American Civil War. Pens like this one were cramped, windowless holding facilities where people were confined before being sold or transported to plantations in the South. Price, Birch & Company was one of the firms that bought, sold and traded enslaved people in the city. Union forces occupied Alexandria in 1861, and the firm's operations were eventually shut down as slavery was abolished. Photographs and illustrations from the 1860s preserve these sites, and their plainness is the point: the quiet street and the handsome brick stand for the ordinary surroundings in which a brutal trade was conducted.

Keep It Close, Read It Slowly

A mug is held in both hands and turned slowly while it cools, which suits a stereograph meant to be looked at closely. The printed design wraps the full curve of the cup, so the street and its buildings are seen one stretch at a time, the way a viewer moves through a historical record. It is a considered piece for someone who wants their daily ritual to carry a piece of the past.

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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.