This beautiful, Hand Painted, Porcelain Occupational Shaving Mug measures approx. 3 1/2" tall and 3 1/2” in diameter at the rim and base. The Mug features a central Image of a manual Telegraph Key. Above the Image there appears the name of the original owner – "J. J. Carson.” - in gold gilt, Gothic font letters. The Mug also features a pink colored surface on the remainder of the Mug and gold gilt flourishes and borders at the top and bottom edges. Below the image there are gold gilt letters that read “O.R.I.” (no idea what this represents and would greatly appreciate any information about this abbreviation).

    We received information that in 1900, a telegraph operator named JJ Carson worked at the Stillwater, New Jersey railroad depot of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad which also served the Wilkes Barre and Eastern Railroad.

    The decoration on this Shaving Mug is beautiful and the colors are bright and vibrant. The Mug is made of a very high quality, brilliant white porcelain and carries the mark of the manufacturer – V & D / Austria.

    PLEASE NOTE: This Shaving Mug is unconditionally guaranteed to be an original ca1900 Hand Painted Barber Shop Shaving Mug and is NOT a reproduction, reissue or of modern manufacture but an original Mug manufactured and decorated around the turn of the 20th century!!

    This rare and very attractive, Telegrapher Occupational Shaving Mug displays nicely and is in good to very good condition There is a crack that enters the Mug at the center of the front above the illustration and travels to just below the image of the Telegraph Key. There is also a high quality repair to the rim of the Mug. The ground porcelain is a brilliant white color as manufactured with no staining or discoloration. The Hand Painted Decoration is crisp and clean with no significant scratches, scuffs, discoloration or surface wear. There is some light wear to the gold gilt lettering as well to the other gilt decoration as can be seen in the scans below. Overall this rare Occupational Shaving Mug displays nicely.

    A very rare and original, ca1900 Hand Painted Occupational Shaving Mug belonging to a Telegraph Operator and, with all faults, still a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

    Be sure to check out this seller’s other auctions for other turn of the 20th century Occupational Shaving Mugs which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!