"The Moustache Cup"

[Eleanor Rose]

(Wikimedia Commons)
​

The mid-19th century was known for impressive mustaches, but these presented some unique challenges for gentlemen who enjoyed drinking coffee and tea. Men often applied moustache wax to their moustache to keep it stiff so every hair remained in place. When drinking hot liquids, the steam from the drink would melt the wax, which would drip into the cup. Sipping hot tea or coffee would also often stain moustaches.

The solution to this problem arrived in 1860 when Englishman Harvey Adams came up with an unusual invention, "the moustache cup". The cup had a ledge or shelf, called a moustache guard, across the top. The ledge had one semicircular opening against the side of the cup. The moustache then rested safe and dry on the guard while the gentleman sipped a hot beverage through the opening. In the U.S., they were sold everywhere from Sears to the department store Marshall Field's, later owned by Macy's.

The cups came in many shapes and sizes. Most had saucers to match. But these weren't nearly as prized as the cups themselves.

 

[DBF]

This thread reminds me of the quote by "The Sage of Baltimore", Henry L. Mencken (1880-1956) when he quipped in 1920:

"Every complex problem has a solution which is simple, direct, plausible—and wrong."

Which may explain why today mustache cups are highly desired by collector's more than they are in use.

 

[Seduzal]

Wow! I didn't know what to expect when I opened this thread! Thanks for sharing this awesome article.

 

[lupaglupa]

This sounds like a scene from a comedy where our hero dresses up for a date, taking particular care with his mustache, then drinks hot coffee and - unknowingly - partially melts the wax, leaving himself with an odd, drooping 'stache and and a love interest who can't stop giggling.

 

[Pollaco]

Was this idea patented?

 

[DBF]

Was this idea patented?

You bet your waxed mustache it is -

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
ALBERT SCHENCK, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
IMPROVEMENT IN MUSTACHE CUPS AND GLASSES.
Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 213,455, dated March 18, 1879; application led January 6, 1879.

Full patent here: https://patents.google.com/patent/US213455A/en

 

[Fairfield]

Thank you for posting this! I have a small collection of mustache cups, inspired by the large, antique collection of an aunt who recently died. I find them charming and interesting--I didn't know all this interesting information (and I'll bet that my aunt didn't, either).

 

[JOHN42768]

Interesting, thanks

 

[luinrina]

I have a small collection of mustache cups

Would you mind sharing a picture or two?

 

[Fairfield]

I'd love to but I don't have a camera . A colleague (who does) has been working at the historical society, taking advantage of the quiet to update the collections; I can ask her to swing by the house--I'll leave some on the front steps for photographing. It won't be quick.

 

[luinrina]

No pressure if it doesn't work out. I was just curious about your collection to get to see some more examples of moustache cups.

 

[Mrs. V]

My grandparents had several. When we cleaned out their home we brought them back for my brothers. I wonder if they wtill have them?