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Bealeton, Virginia. Captain Henry P. Smith's Mess. Company D, 93D New York Volunteers (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

Bealeton, Virginia. Captain Henry P. Smith's Mess. Company D, 93D New York Volunteers (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
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Captain Henry P. Smith's Mess, Bealeton, Virginia - Color Morphing Mug Design

This design takes its name from a single camp table: the mess of Captain Henry P. Smith, Company D of the 93rd New York Volunteers, set down at Bealeton, Virginia.

Visual Elements & Composition

The design is built around its inscription. The captain's name, his company, his regiment and the place of encampment carry the composition, so the lettering is the first thing the eye reads. Every line is a fact about who gathered there and where.

Meaning & Symbolism

A mess was the group of soldiers who shared meals, and to name one after its captain is to name the small community that kept men fed and together during the American Civil War. The 93rd New York was raised in 1862 and served in the Army of the Potomac, so the Bealeton name ties the piece to the Virginia countryside where that army wintered and marched. It is a memorial to ordinary daily life in a regiment, not to a battle.

Turning the Design in Hand

A mug is held and turned, so an inscription on it is read in pieces, one line at a time as the cup rotates. The heat-reactive surface suits this design well: the lettering is faint when the mug is cold and surfaces as a hot drink is poured in, so the mess table appears only once the cup has been put to use, much as a camp's history comes into view only when someone sits down to read it.

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Color-changing ceramic mugs with a glossy finish, black exterior, and white interior. Available in one size: 11 oz (≈330 ml). Heat-reactive coating reveals your custom design when filled with hot liquid. BPA- and lead-free, with a comfortable C-handle.

This mug brings a playful twist to the daily coffee or tea ritual. At room temperature, it looks like a simple black mug with a glossy finish. But add a hot beverage, and your chosen design fades into view, showing vivid colors against the white interior.

The ceramic body is durable enough for repeated use, while the C-shaped handle balances comfort and grip. Printing uses sublimation techniques that fuse color into the heat-reactive surface for crisp results when the design appears.

  • Material: ceramic with glossy black exterior and white interior.
  • Size: one standard size, 11 oz (≈330 ml).
  • Finish: glossy glaze with heat-sensitive surface.
  • Printing: sublimation process produces crisp, vibrant colors.
  • Safety: BPA-free and lead-free, suitable for everyday drinks.
  • Effect: design is faintly visible when cold, fully revealed when hot.

Perfect as a novelty gift or a fun personal mug, the heat-reactive design makes coffee breaks more engaging. It works well for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or hot chocolate.

  1. Daily routine: fill with any hot beverage to reveal your chosen artwork.
  2. Gifting: the “magic” reveal makes it a memorable present for birthdays, holidays, or office exchanges.
  3. Office use: sparks conversation while still being practical for everyday drinks.

Note: for best results, avoid designs that rely heavily on deep black backgrounds, as they may blend with the mug’s surface when cold.

Unlike standard mugs, color-changing mugs require gentler care to preserve the heat-reactive coating. Hand-wash only — avoid the dishwasher and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish and reduce the effect.

The mug is safe for short microwave use when heating liquids, but repeated high-heat cycles may shorten the lifespan of the coating. Always allow the mug to cool before washing.

Available in one classic size: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml). It’s large enough for most standard coffee makers and fits comfortably in most cabinets.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz
Height (in) 3.78
Diameter (in) 3.23
Diameter w/ handle (in) 4.76

Note: measurements are approximate; slight variations may occur due to manufacturing tolerances.