SENTIMENTAL VICTORIAN MUGS AND CUPS
by Sarabeth Samoray, Gull Cottage Antiques, Applegate, MI

In today's world we tend to get pretty carried away with the gifts we bestow upon loved ones and friends, always feeling that "bigger is better". We all are guilty at one time or another of spending way too much on some elaborate gift swathed in expensive paper and ribbon. Granted, our love is there, enrobed in gilt and showy French-wired ribbons but what of the simple gifts of yesterday?

In the Victorian era a trip to the local general store in town yielded a very common gift: an elegant cup and saucer or a small mug, each decorated with a little phrase of endearment. Once home the pretty gift was wrapped quite simply in plain white tissue paper, sans box, and tied with a pretty hair ribbon. For those living in the country the smooth brown paper, saved from other packages bought at the general store, and a piece of twine was all that was needed to wrap their special package, their cup of love.

Most of the examples available in antiques shops today were made in Germany. Sizes varied - some quite large to hold a generous serving of coffee for Papa with his dear name painted upon the front. Some were more delicate with matching saucer for the special cup of tea for Mama. There were even sets of cups and saucers - each carefully labeled for "Mother" and "Father" - each matching and looking so lovely displayed upon the kitchen shelf. Some were reserved for those most special occasions, perhaps when company visited. Some were so dear to the heart they were kept strictly for display and were never used in fear of breaking.

There were the small mugs emblazoned with the sweet sentiment "A Present" that an adolescent girl might give to a dear friend or a sister. Another might be painted with "Remember Me" or "Forget-Me-Not", both popular sentiments of the day and meant to be gifted upon a dear acquaintance.

There were child-sized mugs for little children - popular as birthday and Christmas gifts and sized just right to hold a small serving of sweet milk. Special indeed was the little girl who was gifted with a tiny cup and saucer made especially for her dolly! Children's mugs, as well as those for the doll, often sported decals of small flowers or gilt edges with tiny hand-painted sprigs along with the little sentiments of love painted thereon.

Today the collector should look for pieces that are free of blemishes: chips, cracks and wear to any gilt decoration. More often than not the pieces will be marked on the bottom with the country of origin. Those without manufacturer's marks probably date to before 1890.

Value depends upon condition, age and how elaborately each item was made. Many collectors zero in on one type of item: children's mugs, dolls pieces, "Mother" or "Father" items or that special sentiment that touches their heart. Some prefer cups with raised lettering accented with crushed glass or repousse flowers, leaves and words - raised images - which add dimension and realism. For me, the phrase "Remember Me" has long been a special favorite as well as the older unmarked mugs with simple flat surfaces decorated with floral decals.

The next time you need a little something to give to that special someone, check out your local antiques shop for a little mug full of love. Start a new tradition with a friend. Fill your treasure with herbal tea bags or little chocolates then wrap it simply as the Victorians did. Always remember that big sentiments can come in small packages!

Gull Cottage Antiques is located at 2096 S. Lakeshore Rd., Applegate. For more information, call 810-622-9883.