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Unidentified African American Soldier In Union Uniform (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Unidentified African American Soldier In Union Uniform (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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Unidentified African American Soldier In Union Uniform (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This design reproduces a historical tintype portrait of an unidentified African American soldier in a Union military uniform, dating from the 1860s.

Visual Elements & Composition

The sitter is seated, dressed in a dark military-style coat and a wide-brimmed hat, and he holds the viewer with a steady, formal gaze. Umber dominates the image, the deep brown of an aged photographic print, while warm gold tones pick out the gilt case that frames the portrait. Slate appears in the shadowed areas of the coat and background, and a touch of oxblood adds a muted accent. The composition follows the period's conventions: an arched portrait frame sits within a rectangular case, so the eye moves from the outer border inward to the figure at the centre.

Meaning & Symbolism

Tintypes were the everyday portrait medium of the Civil War years, and soldiers often sat for them before leaving home or going into service. This image honours the Black men who enlisted in the Union army, a service that took shape as the war turned toward emancipation and that is still too rarely told in full. The uniform marks his place in that army, while the formal pose and carefully staged frame present him with dignity. Because the sitter is unidentified, the portrait stands for the many soldiers whose names went unrecorded, and it asks the viewer to remember them.

Designed for the Hand

A mug is turned in the hand as it is drunk from, so the portrait rotates past the eye with each sip. The arched frame follows the curve of the cylinder, and the seated figure sits at a comfortable height when the mug is held up. Every glance returns to the same steady face, which suits a piece kept on a daily shelf and reached for again and again.

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.