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Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a solemn black-and-white studio portrait of Union Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, shown in the formal dress of a Federal Army officer during the American Civil War.

Visual Elements & Composition

The portrait is a tall, upright rectangle built almost entirely from greys: light grey dominates the image, with dark grey anchoring the uniform and mid grey and white picking out highlights. The figure is framed centrally and fills the frame, so his face and bearing draw the eye first. His double-breasted military coat, star shoulder straps and a small medal on the breast carry the composition, and the soft tonal range gives the photograph the quiet weight of a formal sitting. There is no added text or numeral; the story is told through posture, dress and that unmistakable face.

Meaning & Symbolism

Burnside's thick sideburns gave rise to the term "sideburns," so his profile is one of the most recognisable silhouettes of the period. The dark frock coat and shoulder straps signal high rank and command authority, while the studio setting reflects how Civil War commanders were photographed and circulated as cabinet cards and mementos. Portraits like this honoured service in campaigns such as Antietam, Fredericksburg and the Siege of Petersburg, and they still document mid-19th-century military dress and photographic practice.

On the Black Mug

A mug is turned in the hand and viewed from every side, so the portrait wraps around the cup and reveals itself gradually as you lift it for a morning coffee or a slow evening tea. The monochrome palette suits a black base, letting the greys of the uniform and the pale face read clearly as you drink. For anyone who loves American history, it is a conversation starter that lives on the desk, turning a quiet moment with a hot drink into a small encounter with a Civil War commander.

Size

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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.