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Unidentified Soldier In Union Uniform Holding Hardee Hat (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Unidentified Soldier In Union Uniform Holding Hardee Hat (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 Soldier In Union Uniform Holding Hardee Hat (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

A seated Union soldier from the American Civil War holds his black Hardee hat in a sepia-toned studio portrait made in the 1860s, and the image keeps his face in full view.

Visual Elements & Composition

Warm sepia brown fills most of the frame, with gilt gold and dark charcoal providing the edges and shadows that give the photograph its antique depth. The soldier sits in a buttoned military-style coat, and his kepi rests in his lap beside the hat he carries. The composition is built on a rounded-corner rectangle framed in gilt brass, a tintype layout that centres the man and draws the eye straight to his expression. There is no text or numerals; the story is told entirely through pose and tone.

Meaning & Symbolism

The Hardee hat, also known as the Model 1858 Dress Hat, was a black felt piece with a flat brim, worn by Union soldiers in the early years of the war and by officers and certain infantry units. Holding it rather than wearing it lets the sitter's features and equipment register clearly, which is exactly what a studio portrait of this kind was meant to do. Soldiers commissioned these images to leave a likeness with family before they marched off, and posing with hats or weapons was a wartime studio custom that reflected personal pride and a wider urge to record history. The regiment and identity of this man are not recorded, which makes the portrait a direct link to one of the countless anonymous lives that shaped the conflict.

Crafted for Your Morning Ritual

A mug is turned slowly in the hand, so the portrait wraps around the curve and the soldier appears each time you lift it for a sip. The sepia tones suit a quiet coffee break, and the hat held at chest height sits neatly at the handle side, a small piece of history for the cup that starts your day.

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.