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Illinois 166 1950 (Illinois) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug

Illinois 166 1950 (Illinois) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug

Regular price $15.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $15.95 USD
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Illinois 166 1950 (Illinois) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug: Design Description

This coffee mug showcases a piece of mid-20th-century Illinois history: a faithful representation of the 1950s Illinois Route 166 road sign. The design is a direct visual translation of the signage that would have marked the roadway during that era, specifically between Creal Springs and New Burnside in southern Illinois.

Artwork and Visual Elements

The central element of the design is the iconic shield. It features a classic white background, providing a clean canvas for the bold black details. A crisp, black border frames the entire design, giving it definition and a sense of authority. Across the top, the word "ILLINOIS" is printed in a clean, easily readable black font, immediately identifying the state. Centered within the shield is the route number: "166," also rendered in bold black, ensuring easy visibility and quick identification of the route.

Meaning and Symbolism

The design's primary significance lies in its historical representation. The sign is a symbol of a bygone era of road travel and the evolution of transportation infrastructure in Illinois. The square-cornered shape and stark color palette are characteristic of signage design from the 1940s and 1950s. The route number itself is a marker of place, identifying a specific section of road and connecting the mug's owner to the geography and history of southern Illinois. Displaying the sign evokes a sense of nostalgia, and appreciation for the state's heritage.

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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.