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Private Silas A. Shirley Of Co. H, 16th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, With Books And Sign Reading Victory Or Death! (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Private Silas A. Shirley Of Co. H, 16th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, With Books And Sign Reading Victory Or Death! (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
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Private Silas A. Shirley Of Co. H, 16th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, With Books And Sign Reading Victory Or Death! (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This historical portrait shows Private Silas A. Shirley of Company H, 16th Mississippi Infantry, seated and posed for the camera during the American Civil War.

Visual Elements & Composition

The soldier sits in a light jacket with a shoulder strap, framed within an oval gilt case that gives the image its formal, keepsake character. Gold and warm grey dominate the palette, with cream and dark brown setting the tones of the aged photographic surface. A curved paper label carries the words VICTORY OR DEATH! in capitals, the only text in the image and its sharpest note.

Meaning & Symbolism

The books beside the sitter signified literacy, education and a settled moral conviction, qualities a portrait of the period was expected to announce. The motto beside them speaks to the fierce ideological commitment to the Confederate cause that carried many soldiers through the years 1861 to 1865. Photographs of enlisted privates are far rarer than those of officers or formal units, so this tintype preserves one private soldier's own choice of how he wished to be remembered by his family and by posterity.

On the Coffee Mug

A mug is turned in the hand, so the portrait wraps around the curve and reveals itself a little at a time, with the oval case and the label drifting into view as the cup rotates. Each first sip brings the seated soldier, his books and his motto to the table. A history lover will read VICTORY OR DEATH! before finishing the first cup, and the story will carry on from there.

Size

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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.