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District Of Columbia. Soldiers At Gate Of Fort Slemmer (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

District Of Columbia. Soldiers At Gate Of Fort Slemmer (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
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District Of Columbia. Soldiers At Gate Of Fort Slemmer (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This black-and-white scene shows Union soldiers standing guard at the gateway of Fort Slemmer, one of the wartime forts that once ringed Washington, D.C.

Visual Elements & Composition

Grey tones carry the whole picture. A pale sky fills the largest share of the frame, while pale grey planks, mid grey earth and charcoal shadows build the fort from the ground up. Near-black accents sharpen the edges where the soldiers and gateway meet the light. Uniformed figures walk the plank walkway, one soldier stands at attention with his rifle, and a cannon sits on the rampart above. Sharpened timber palisade stakes line the approach, with the earthwork embankment rising behind them. A rectangular frame-like shape anchors the layout, giving the scene the feel of a photograph set into a page.

Meaning & Symbolism

A gate is where a fort is tested: who comes in, who stays out, and who keeps watch. Here the watch is a daily duty, and the soldiers' stillness speaks as much to routine as to danger. Fort Slemmer sat in the northeast of the city as part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, a ring of works built to protect the capital from Confederate attack. Its earthworks and timber, rather than permanent masonry, mark those defenses as strategic yet temporary. The image preserves the men who manned the artillery and kept the Union capital ready.

Read It Turn by Turn

A mug is held and turned in the hand, so this scene unfolds slowly as you rotate it: the gate first, then the rampart and cannon, then the sentry at attention. Each morning sip brings the same view round again, which suits a picture built on repetition and routine. It makes a cheeky gift for the friend who argues about Civil War forts over breakfast, and a warm reminder that Washington once kept its vigil in earthworks and timber.

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.