Displayed in History House. The moustache cup (or mustache cup) is a drinking cup with a semicircular ledge inside. The ledge, called a moustache guard, has a half moon-shaped opening to allow the passage of liquids and serves as a guard to keep moustaches dry. It is generally acknowledged to have been invented in the 1870s by British potter Harvey AdamsLarge scallop-edged tea-cup with gold patterning and pink designs on outside. Gold line around lip and handle. Section of china to protect moustache on inner edge.tea cup, functional object, moustache protector