Thread: Custom decorated shaving mugs? (long)

To the group:

I've been chomping at the bit for a while about this...and maybe it's still premature to inquire, but...I am wondering how many guys would be interested in this? So here goes....

For years, as a collector of old barber mugs, I wanted to try reproducing the classics from the golden era for everyday use.
I've finally set up a studio of sorts, but I'm still in the experimental stage. I even went and began china decorating classes through the local community college to learn the basics.

I have a couple of mugs in the kiln right now. One with the classic "Horses in the Storm" design and the other with one of the whimsical pipe smoking frogs designs. Both of these were popular shaving mug designs available through Koken or Theo. Koch's barber supply and others. The originals sell for hundreds of dollars. (Mine won't ) If you are a collector you're probably familiar with these designs and others.

They are hand painted by me and will have gold banding and names. I am also proposing to do simple gold names and banding as well. They will not be decals, although there are decals available that may be desireable.
I could also do floral decoratives, although I'm not sure many guys these days would want them? I've even thought of doing a "classic straight razor" series. I imagine I could do just about any design to order, except for photographic work. Don't have the knowledge or equipment for that...yet.

They are done on modern "stoneware" blanks similar to the ones I've seen at classic shaving. I searched for china blanks, like the old Limoges and Bavarian products, but, as far as I can tell, no one manufactures anything similar today. I could have them custom made, but as you may guess, it's quite costly to go that route.
I've tested the available mugs and they are very servicable. They are thick walled, durable, heavy and have good heat retension for hot lather. (I realize that not everyone here prefers a mug, but a bowl instead, and I've considered doing custom work on owner provided blanks, bowls included).

I haven't yet decided how I will price these or how many I will be able to produce in what time period. Also, I'm not sure when I'll be ready to go into full production since I think my skills need honing. I'll post pictures of my prototype mugs when they are ready, and, if I think they are worthy of public scrutiny.

Anyway, it's a big venture for me, one of those "things-I-must-try-before-I-die" things, and I was just curious what the group here thinks?
I imagine if anyone would be interested, it would be some of the people here. So, I may have let the cat out of the bag early, but any thoughts, suggestions, warnings , encouragements, etc would be welcomed.

Scott

I think that in this age of mass produced over hyped garbage anyone that tries a true hand made product deserves alot of credit. I'm sure alot of us here would love to see your work when it is ready. Personally if you do a shaving bowl with a cover I would be interested. Keep us informed of your progress.

I have been trying to find a good, eriod correct scuttle that would be correct for about 1800. If you have any sources for something of this type, I'd be quite interested, particularly if it can be done with a Williamsburg type of decoration.

canerunner,

Are you thinking of Williamsburg "salt glaze" pottery with the blue glaze designs?

Exactly! The salt-glazed blue Williamsburg decorations is simple patterns would be the ideal for me.

Look for a PM from me.

Is this what you are looking for?
http://cgi.ebay.com/1800-Style-Reena...QQcmdZViewItem

It's not a scuttle, but has the type of design you mention. Also it's in my ebay store (shameless plug - sorry ) Debra Hay (Heavenly Harvest) also has the same one for a few bucks less.

Scott

honedright,

That's an interesting idea. A personalized hand-pinted mug sounds pretty cool. Personally, I like those short Old Spice size mugs but I've never really been exposed to any of the other no doubt myriad mug designs so it'll be nice to see what you have to offer.

Ed

EdinLA44,

Your post forces me to consider that maybe not many are familiar with the old decorated mugs. At one time, every barber shop had these for their customers who could afford them. Each customer could have their own mug with name and some type of decoration on it.

It was straight razor shaving that got me interested in barber shop collectibles and then barber shop shaving mugs.

If you or any other members are interested, get a hold of Keith Esteps books "The Shaving Mug & Barber Bottle Book" and/or "The Best of Shaving Mugs" (both show up on ebay frequently). It's a fascinating adjunct to our straight razor hobby, just as addicting, and at least as detrimental to the bank account.

Scott

Scott,

Any more pics of the mugs you will be making. I'd be interested.

Thanks,

Lynn

Lynn,

I've got a couple prototype mugs cooling in the kiln. As soon as they're done I'll take pictures and post them.

Scott