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Josua P. Graffam, Sgt., 1St D.C. & 1St Maine Cavalry, Co. B., U.S.A., Full-Length Portrait, Facing Front (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

Josua P. Graffam, Sgt., 1St D.C. & 1St Maine Cavalry, Co. B., U.S.A., Full-Length Portrait, Facing Front (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Sergeant Joshua P. Graffam Full-Length Portrait - Color Morphing Mug Design

This is a full-length portrait of Sergeant Joshua P. Graffam, standing square to the camera in his Union uniform.

Visual Elements & Composition

The figure fills the frame from head to boot, so the eye reads the whole soldier before it settles on any single detail. He faces the viewer directly, with no turn of the body and no props to soften the pose. The uniform, the set of his shoulders and the equipment he carries give the picture its weight. The palette belongs to an old tintype, with deep shadows and muted midtones, and nothing in the composition competes with the figure.

Meaning & Symbolism

The formal stance is the visual language of wartime portraiture: a man presenting himself with steady composure and a sense of duty. Graffam was a non-commissioned officer in Company B of the 1st Maine Cavalry and the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry, and the photograph dates from 1861 to 1865. It was reproduced from an original tintype held in the Library of Congress Civil War Photograph Collection. Where most images of the war feature generals, this one records a rank-and-file cavalryman, the kind of soldier whose individual service made up the Union army.

Why It Suits This Mug

A mug is held in the hand and turned slowly, so a portrait printed around its full wrap lets the figure be seen a little at a time. The heat-reactive surface adds a second layer: the image emerges as the drink warms the cup, as if the sergeant were stepping out of the shadows. It makes a quiet, cheeky gift for anyone who loves Civil War history and wants a piece of it on the breakfast table.

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Color-changing ceramic mugs with a glossy finish, black exterior, and white interior. Available in one size: 11 oz (≈330 ml). Heat-reactive coating reveals your custom design when filled with hot liquid. BPA- and lead-free, with a comfortable C-handle.

This mug brings a playful twist to the daily coffee or tea ritual. At room temperature, it looks like a simple black mug with a glossy finish. But add a hot beverage, and your chosen design fades into view, showing vivid colors against the white interior.

The ceramic body is durable enough for repeated use, while the C-shaped handle balances comfort and grip. Printing uses sublimation techniques that fuse color into the heat-reactive surface for crisp results when the design appears.

  • Material: ceramic with glossy black exterior and white interior.
  • Size: one standard size, 11 oz (≈330 ml).
  • Finish: glossy glaze with heat-sensitive surface.
  • Printing: sublimation process produces crisp, vibrant colors.
  • Safety: BPA-free and lead-free, suitable for everyday drinks.
  • Effect: design is faintly visible when cold, fully revealed when hot.

Perfect as a novelty gift or a fun personal mug, the heat-reactive design makes coffee breaks more engaging. It works well for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or hot chocolate.

  1. Daily routine: fill with any hot beverage to reveal your chosen artwork.
  2. Gifting: the “magic” reveal makes it a memorable present for birthdays, holidays, or office exchanges.
  3. Office use: sparks conversation while still being practical for everyday drinks.

Note: for best results, avoid designs that rely heavily on deep black backgrounds, as they may blend with the mug’s surface when cold.

Unlike standard mugs, color-changing mugs require gentler care to preserve the heat-reactive coating. Hand-wash only — avoid the dishwasher and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish and reduce the effect.

The mug is safe for short microwave use when heating liquids, but repeated high-heat cycles may shorten the lifespan of the coating. Always allow the mug to cool before washing.

Available in one classic size: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml). It’s large enough for most standard coffee makers and fits comfortably in most cabinets.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz
Height (in) 3.78
Diameter (in) 3.23
Diameter w/ handle (in) 4.76

Note: measurements are approximate; slight variations may occur due to manufacturing tolerances.