Skip to product information
1 of 7

Portrait Of Commodore William D. Porter, Officer Of The Federal Navy (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Portrait Of Commodore William D. Porter, Officer Of The Federal Navy (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 Commodore William D. Porter, Officer Of The Federal Navy (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a formal black-and-white photographic portrait of Commodore William D. Porter, shown standing in the uniform of his rank, with a stern and steady gaze.

Visual Elements & Composition

Charcoal and light grey dominate the image, with deep black in the shadows and a touch of off-white in the highlights. The bearded officer fills the frame in his long double-breasted greatcoat, its sleeve stripes and the watch chain across his waistcoat catching the eye. A dark cap rests at his side. The whole composition sits within a rectangular photographic plate, and the soft tonal range gives it the look of a carefully preserved 1860s print.

Meaning & Symbolism

Porter served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War, when Federal naval forces blockaded Confederate ports, secured control of the rivers and supported major land campaigns. The uniform and insignia are visual shorthand for that authority, and the unsmiling dignity of the pose marks him as a commander with a personal stake in the Union cause. The portrait also carries the reputation of a man remembered both for his service and for his colourful, sometimes infamous, standing among his contemporaries. It stands as a record of the broader Federal naval effort as much as of one officer.

Life on a Mug

A mug is turned in the hand, so the portrait rotates into view with each sip, and the officer's face and greatcoat appear whole rather than in fragments. The monochrome palette suits a dark mug, letting the grey tones and crisp uniform detail read clearly as you hold it. For anyone who enjoys a bit of Civil War history with their morning brew, this is a cheeky way to keep a commodore at the breakfast table.

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.