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  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug 11oz - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug 15oz - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
  • Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug - Go Mug Yourself
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Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug

Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

$17.99 USD
$17.99 USD
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Coat of arms of the Cape Colony 1876-1994 - Black Mug Design

This design reproduces the official coat of arms of the Cape Colony, the emblem used from 1876 to 1994 in the region that is now part of South Africa.

Visual Elements & Composition

The shield sits at the centre of the composition and is divided into four sections, each carrying its own charge. A golden lion passant stands on a red field, and that gold and red are the strongest colours in the design, glowing against the black ground. Elsewhere on the shield you find a sailing ship and emblems of agriculture and trade. Above the shield rises the crest, tied to British influence, and flanking supporters, typically antelopes or lions, stand on either side. The motto Spes Bona runs beneath, lettered in Latin.

Meaning & Symbolism

Each element speaks to a part of the colony's identity. The lion and the red field declare authority, the ship points to the sea routes that brought trade and settlement, and the agricultural symbols name the land that fed the colony. The supporters bring in the region's wildlife, grounding the colonial emblem in its African landscape. Spes Bona means "Good Hope" and refers to the Cape of Good Hope, the headland that gave the colony its strategic importance. Used on government documents, colonial buildings and official seals, the arms blended local and European symbolism to assert authority across the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Turning the Story in Your Hands

A mug is a thing you turn, and this crest rewards the turning. Rotate it slowly and the shield, the lion, the ship and the Latin motto come round one at a time, the way the arms were read on a seal or a building façade. It makes a thoughtful choice for a history reader, a South African living far from home, or anyone who likes their morning coffee with a little heraldry on the side.

Size

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Glossy black ceramic mugs in two practical sizes — 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml). Comfortable C-handle, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and manufactured to be lead- and BPA-free. Note: printed blacks may read slightly different from the mug’s base color.

These mugs are made from solid ceramic with a glossy glaze that gives a deep, even surface for printing. Sublimation printing embeds ink into the glaze so artwork sits smoothly on the mug rather than simply sitting on top — that means better resistance to fading and scratching during normal use.

They’re available in the classic 11-ounce size for everyday black coffee and tea, and a larger 15-ounce cup if you like extra room for milk, foam or a long pour. The C-shaped handle is wide enough for a secure grip and balances the mug well when full.

  • Material: 100% ceramic with a high-gloss finish for punchy, saturated results.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) — choose your routine size.
  • Printing: sublimation process fuses color into the glaze for durable imagery.
  • Safety: lead- and BPA-free; meets common food-contact safety standards.
  • Design note: very dark artwork and the mug’s black base can produce subtle shade differences — add a thin lighter outline to ensure contrast if needed.

These mugs are at home in the kitchen, on the office desk, or tucked into a morning routine. They work for espresso shots, pour-overs, oat-milk lattes — you name it. The larger size is handy when you want a second cup’s worth without a refill.

  1. Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
  2. Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
  3. Gifting: packs well (wrap with a soft layer) and pairs nicely with coffee beans, tea tins, or a small box of biscuits.

Practical tip: for very dark designs, try a thin light border or a small margin so the artwork reads cleanly against the black ceramic.

These mugs are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but gentle habits extend the life of the print. We recommend dishwasher use on the top rack and milder cycles when possible.

Hand-washing is the friendliest option: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or blasting with extremely hot industrial cycles. And a quick reminder — don’t microwave an empty mug.

Two sizes: 11 oz (approx. 330 ml) and 15 oz (approx. 440 ml). The smaller cup is the familiar, everyday size; the larger one is for fuller pours and extra-creamy drinks.

Each mug’s mouth and height are proportioned so they’re easy to drink from and easy to clean. If you’re pairing with saucers or nesting in cabinets, expect the 15 oz to be slightly wider and taller than the 11 oz.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.86 4.72
Diameter (in) 3.35 3.35
Diameter with handle (in) 4.72 5.12

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.