Historical information

This is a shaving mug which, together with shaving cream, hot water, a shaver with a razor blade and a razor strop, were the items used by men to shave faces and/or beards. Today these items have been replaced by the use of an electric razor or a plastic holder containing a razor blade.

Significance

This item is retained as an attractive example of the mugs used by men for shaving purposes up to the 1950s and 60s.

Physical description

This is a white china shaving mug with a circular base, a handle, a wide-lipped opening and a top bowl with three drainage holes at the bottom. The sides of the mug have coloured painted flowers. On the base of the mug is an article from a newspaper regarding the disappearance of the shaving mug from general use (pasted on) and some handwriting, part of which is indecipherable. The handle and the rims of the mug have originally been gilt-edged.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Shaving Mug’
‘This is quite an antique – used by all the 3 R….’