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Unidentified Sailor In Union Uniform With Pistol (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Unidentified Sailor In Union Uniform With Pistol (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
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Unidentified Sailor In Union Uniform With Pistol (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a historical portrait of a young sailor, posed with a small revolver in hand, taken from a tintype of the 1860s.

Visual Elements & Composition

The sailor dominates the frame. He sits in a dark jersey and round cap, and the pistol is the one detail that draws the eye. Charcoal takes up the largest share of the palette, with grey and peach carrying the figure's face and clothing. Gold appears in the hinged case that frames the tintype, a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The arrangement is plain and formal, with nothing competing for attention beyond the figure and his case.

Meaning & Symbolism

The tintype format and the gilt case place the image firmly in the Civil War era, when portraits like this were carried, shared and kept as keepsakes. The Union uniform and the revolver point to naval service during the war, and the posed, direct gaze reflects the conventions of the period's portrait photography. The sailor has no recorded name, so the picture stands as a tribute to the many anonymous men who served in the Union navy.

Turning the Mug in Hand

A mug is turned in the hand as it is drunk from, so the portrait is seen in pieces, the case edge sliding past as the cup rotates. The sailor's cap and pistol come round on the curve, rewarding a slow turn. The charcoal ground lets the gold and peach of the case glow against the black, so the image holds its shape on the cup as well as it does in a photo album. It makes a thoughtful choice for a history lover's morning coffee.

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.