Moustache Cups

One of the most popular fashions during the Victorian era was the well-groomed and well-maintained gentleman’s moustache.

Moustaches were combed into all types of styles using wax which set the hair in place. However, steam from a cup of tea or coffee could melt the wax which would result in the moustache drooping and the wax dripping into the beverage.

One of the best ways to follow fashion while still politely and tidily enjoying a hot beverage was to use a moustache cup. This looks like a usual cup but has a moustache-shaped guard suspended across the rim that would shield the facial hair, but allow the user to drink from the cup in the gap between the guard and rim.

Harvey Adams was the potter that created the moustache cup in England during the 1830s, and the design soon spread across Europe. Initially these cups came with saucers and were ideal gifts for the men in families. They even extended to being wedding gifts with the two cups matching but one having a moustache guard. They also ranged in sizes from small teacups to a larger mug size.

With the shift away from moustaches during the 20th century, the need for a moustache cup lessened and therefore so did the demand for them to be produced.

This example of a moustache cup is from the Worcester City collection and was made in Germany. It is decorated with flowers and has a matching saucer.