A mustache cup and saucer owned by my great-great-grandfather (1845-1917). (About 95 years old if he got it near his death).
The cup and saucer are both 8-sided. The corners (the shorter sides) are painted gold. the four other sides are painted a light blue color with a burgundy 'V' painted which is decorated with white dots. There is also gold trim along the 'V's as well as the rim of the cup and a gold design underneath each of the 'V's. The mustache protector is also painted light blue with a feathered gold pattern. The handle is thin and braided. It is also painted gold. On the underside of the cup, there is a stamp that says 'Paten.' This is surrounded by a circle, except on the side with the missing 't.' Within the circle, there is a small design or line above and below the word 'Paten.' On the underside of the saucer, the letters 'SP' are stamped. Unlike the underside of the cup, in which the 'Patent' stamp is black, there is no ink on the underside of the saucer. I believe it is handpainted as the designs are not perfectly symmetrical.
If anyone knows anything about the manufacturer or the date of manufacture, I would love to hear about it!
