Skip to product information
1 of 7

Portrait Of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Portrait Of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Portrait Of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a formal studio portrait of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt, a Union cavalry officer standing in full military dress during the American Civil War.

Visual Elements & Composition

The image is a black and white photograph built on a light grey backdrop that fills most of the frame. Merritt's dark grey uniform sits at the centre, a long double-breasted frock coat that reads as a strong, dark column against the pale ground. Shoulder straps carrying officer insignia catch the eye at the top of the figure, while an ornately carved wooden chair in dark brown-grey anchors the lower edge. Pale grey tones and touches of black give the photograph its crisp, even contrast.

Meaning & Symbolism

Every element points to authority. The upright stance, the buttoned frock coat and the visible rank insignia were the visual language of a high-ranking officer, and the carved chair reinforces the formality of the setting. Merritt was a West Point graduate who shaped Union cavalry operations in the Eastern Theater, and his career traces the Army's tactical evolution across the conflict. The portrait also documents what came later: he went on to international command and became the first military governor of Manila, so this image records the move of American officers from battlefield commanders to figures of global administration.

Made for the Morning Ritual

A mug is turned in the hand and read at close range, so the portrait wraps around a surface that sits just under your gaze with each sip. The upright figure runs vertically across the curve, letting the coat and insignia stand tall as the cup is lifted. It makes a considered gift for someone who takes their history, and their coffee, seriously.

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

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.