Skip to product information
1 of 7

Iowa 161 1948 (Iowa) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug

Iowa 161 1948 (Iowa) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug

Regular price $15.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $15.95 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Iowa 161 1948 (Iowa) (Road Sign) White Coffee Mug: Design Description

This coffee mug showcases a design that pays homage to a piece of Iowa's transportation history: the 1948 era of U.S. Route 161. The artwork recreates a vintage U.S. Highway marker, reflecting the visual conventions of road signage from that period.

Artwork and Visual Elements

The central element is a shield-shaped graphic. This shape is a key symbol for U.S. Highways, differentiating them from state routes that often used circular designs in Iowa. Within the shield, the letters "US" are prominently displayed, indicating that this is a United States route. Below the "US" the number "161" is placed, specifically representing the now decommissioned U.S. Route 161 in Iowa.

The design adheres to the known specifications of highway design: The shield likely features a white background on a black shield. This color palette was standard for U.S. Route markers during the 1948 time period.

Meaning and Symbolism

The design carries significant historical meaning, representing a time when highway travel was rapidly changing in America. The presence of "US 161" on a coffee mug symbolizes a bygone era of exploration and road trips. It reflects the network that once spanned across eastern Iowa, connecting communities and facilitating movement.

This design serves as a nostalgic reminder of the evolution of transportation infrastructure and the historical importance of the road itself.

Size

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all products.

Buy 2
10% OFF
Buy 3+
20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF

Automatically applied at checkout.

View full details

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.