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Beaufort, South Carolina. Federal Signal Station. Formerly The Home Of John G. Barnwell (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Beaufort, South Carolina. Federal Signal Station. Formerly The Home Of John G. Barnwell (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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Beaufort, South Carolina. Federal Signal Station. Formerly The Home Of John G. Barnwell (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This black and white wet-plate style photograph shows a two-storey wooden house in Beaufort, South Carolina, during the 1860s, with a Union signal station built into its roofline.

Visual Elements & Composition

The picture is built from greys, from pale and light grey on the fence and sky to charcoal in the deepest shadows of the house. The house facade and its pitched roof fill the centre, topped by a rooftop lookout platform that gives the building its military purpose. A white picket fence with ball-topped posts runs across the lower half and leads the eye along the lawn. Two standing men stand before the fence, giving the scale, and a white columned tower rises at the right edge, slightly cut off by the frame.

Meaning & Symbolism

After the Union occupation of the Sea Islands in 1861, Beaufort became a hub for coastal blockade operations. This house belonged to the Barnwell family before Union forces took it over and turned it into a signal station, a node in a network that relayed messages by flag and lantern. Those signals coordinated troop movements and naval activity and helped secure the coastal waterways. The image records a private home becoming a fortified observation post, a shift from antebellum domestic life to wartime use.

On the Ceramic Mug

A mug is turned in the hand, so the scene wraps around the curve of the body and rotates as you lift it. The fence and lawn sit low on the sides, while the lookout and the tower rise toward the rim, so the image unfolds one piece at a time over a morning cup. Each sip brings another part of Barnwell's home into view, a small reminder of how a single house carried the history of an entire coastline.

Size

Bulk Discounts Available

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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.