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Charleston, S.C. Beacon On Parapet Of Fort Sumter (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Charleston, S.C. Beacon On Parapet Of Fort Sumter (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
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Charleston, S.C. Beacon On Parapet Of Fort Sumter (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This black-and-white study captures the beacon on the parapet of Fort Sumter, the federal fortification guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbor, as it stood during the Civil War.

Visual Elements & Composition

The image is a monochrome photograph taken from a glass plate negative, built from light grey, mid grey, dark grey and near-black. Light grey takes up the largest share of the frame, so the sky and open ground feel bright and matte. A stepped earthen embankment rises through the scene, and rows of woven gabion baskets run along it in a repeating pattern that draws the eye across the width of the picture. A wooden observation tower stands on an earthen mound, a brick bunker with an arched opening sits low beside it, and a cannon is visible on a distant rampart. A rectangular frame anchors the composition, and the numeral 3054 appears within the scene as the only written mark.

Meaning & Symbolism

Fort Sumter is where the opening shots of the Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861, after Confederate forces attacked the Union garrison. The fort stayed a strategic focal point for control of the harbor for the rest of the conflict. A beacon on the parapet was a working tool of coastal defence, used to guide ships through the channel, signal troop movements and mark critical positions. The brick, earthworks and rows of baskets show how 19th-century engineers combined protection with function, and the picture records the physical reality of that work.

Turning the Story in Your Hand

A mug is turned slowly with every sip, so the scene wraps around the cylinder and reveals its embankments, bunker and cannon one stretch at a time. Each rotation brings the parapet back into view, the way a beacon signals across open water. The rows of baskets repeat around the curve, keeping the sense of a fortification built to hold its line, and the quiet grey tones suit a slow morning with a hot drink.

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.