Shaving Mugs and Mustache Cups Victorian Treasure Collectibles

Images from Sally Thompson’s personal collection 

The Shaving Mug: A Personalized Grooming Essential

Shaving mugs first gained widespread use in the mid-19th century, with the familiar coal scuttle-shaped design appearing around 1867. These mugs featured a wide bowl for a lathering brush and a separate area to hold the individual’s bar of soap. In an era before disposable razors, daily grooming was a more formal experience—often carried out by a barber—and many men had their own personal shaving mug waiting for them at their local shop.

To avoid the hygiene concerns of shared soap, each customer kept a designated mug on a rack in the barbershop. These racks, filled with personalized porcelain mugs, were a common sight in Victorian barber shops. Interestingly, it was once believed that sharing soap caused rashes, though it was likely the cleanliness of razors—not the soap—that was to blame.

Many of these mugs were beautifully decorated with gold trim and hand-painted names, and often included the owner’s profession: examples exist for sailors, bakers, blacksmiths, carpenters, dentists, and many others. Occupational shaving mugs are among the most prized by collectors today, especially if they retain their original lettering and designs. Without these identifying marks, the value of a mug decreases significantly.

Most shaving mugs were imported from Germany, France, or Austria, where the finest porcelain and ceramic goods were produced at the time. After World War I, the popularity of shaving mugs declined rapidly with the introduction of Gillette’s safety razor. By the 1950s and 60s, the tradition had faded almost entirely from barbershops.

I’m lucky to own a mug passed down in my family—that of my relative Arnold Egger—which still proudly bears his name. Personal artifacts like this connect us not just to history, but to the people who lived it.

Mustache Cups: A Gentleman’s Necessity

Distinct from shaving mugs, mustache cups were designed to serve an entirely different purpose. These elegant vessels first appeared around 1850 and remained popular through the turn of the century. For gentlemen sporting the fashionable handlebar mustache, drinking a hot beverage posed a challenge. The steam and liquid could dampen or even melt the wax used to carefully style their mustaches.

To solve this problem, the mustache cup was born. An Englishman named Harvey Adams is credited with inventing it in the 1830s. The design included a clever “mustache guard”—a porcelain bridge built into the cup just below the rim. This allowed the user to sip their tea or coffee without disturbing their facial hair.

Mustache cups came in many forms and materials, ranging from fine china to ornate silver. Some even included matching saucers, making them perfect for formal tea service. While not generally as valuable as shaving mugs, mustache cups with unusual features—such as those made for left-handed users—can be highly collectible.

A Timeless Gift for Father’s Day

Whether it’s an ornately decorated occupational shaving mug or a finely crafted mustache cup, these pieces make exceptional Father’s Day gifts. They carry stories of past generations, reflect an era of grooming rituals and personal pride, and offer a tangible piece of history that can be cherished for years to come.

Consider presenting one of these Victorian collectibles to a father, grandfather, or mentor in your life. Whether he’s a collector or simply appreciates timeless craftsmanship, he’s sure to treasure such a thoughtful and historic gift.

If you're looking to add to your collection, check out my eBay store  ebay.com/usr/granitemom48   for a curated selection of antique and vintage postcards!

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