Antique authentic mustache cup/ teacup with a mustache guard from the 1870s-1890's, hand painted porcelain. High relief porcelain design, with 22K gold gilt painted design. Large cup. Amazing condition. No chips, no cracks, the gold gilt is still in good condition for the age of cup! Genuine 19th century, and still in perfect working order. The piece is numbered on the bottom. Mustache Teacup D= 3 1/4", teacup + handle= 4 1/4" D, Teacup H= 3 1/4" The Mustache cup was invented in the mid 1800s by an English potter named Harvey Adams. In those Victorian times, most men had impressive moustaches, many men waxed or even dyed their moustaches to keep them groomed & curled & looking fabulous. And of course, they drank tea. So, what happened was wax would melt, & dye would run and gentlemen would get embarrassed. So, Mr. Adams created a moustache guard, a moustache-shaped ledge that went across the cup, with an opening in the middle to sip the tea through. This allowed the gentleman to drink his tea & keep his moustache/ upper lip dry. It goes without saying that this item became very popular, & eventually made its way from England and Europe all the way to America. Of late, they have become sought-after collectors items. This item is fully covered by the Money Back Guarantee policy. I invite you to browse the other items here [ or even better, find a unique gift for someone else that you can give! I am happy to carefully combine 1+ items purchased into one shipment for you.