Home / Coffee Mugs & Cups / Unknown Location. Wagons And Camera Of Sam A. Cooley, U.S. Photographer, Department Of The South (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug
  • Black and white 1860s view of men around a horse-drawn wagon and view camera, beside a wooden farmhouse.
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Unknown Location. Wagons And Camera Of Sam A. Cooley, U.S. Photographer, Department Of The South (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

Unknown Location. Wagons And Camera Of Sam A. Cooley, U.S. Photographer, Department Of The South (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

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$17.99 USD
$17.99 USD
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Unknown Location. Wagons And Camera Of Sam A. Cooley, U.S. Photographer, Department Of The South (U.S. Civil War) White Coffee Mug

This is a vintage black-and-white photograph of a photographer's horse-drawn wagon and the camera that travelled with it, set in a 1860s yard scene.

Visual Elements & Composition

Soft light greys carry most of the image, with deep blacks anchoring the edges. The wagon sits across the middle of the frame, its signage legible, while a large-format view camera stands on its tripod beside it. Bare trees and a wooden farmhouse fill the background. The picture is framed by an irregular vignette with a black cut-out in one corner, which gives it the look of a worn print. The lettering reads SAM A. COOLEY, U.S. Photograph and Department of the S.

Meaning & Symbolism

The scene records how field photography actually worked in the 1860s. The wagon carried darkroom and transport, the camera was the working instrument, and the men seated and standing around them were the crew who made the journey possible. Cooley worked within the Department of the South during the American Civil War, and the image shows the logistics behind the pictures that survive from that period. It is a plain record of documentation rather than a dramatic battle scene, and that restraint is the point.

Meet the Ceramic Mug

A mug is turned in the hand, so the scene unfolds as you rotate it. The wagon and its signage come round first, then the camera on its tripod, then the farmhouse and trees. The name SAM A. COOLEY sits where you can read it at a glance over your morning coffee. For anyone who loves history, it turns an ordinary cup into a small, daily look at early American photography.

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.