Help!! SWMBO Gift

Gentlemen, I face a conundrum and hereby request all willingly available assistance: SWMBO just presented me with a near-mint vintage Old Spice shaving mug (sorry, I don't have the equipment to post pics :(). It is in fine shape w/no chips, cracks, stains, dings or fading. Take my word: it is nearly immaculate!
My concern: she must have laid out some good money (probably on eBay) for this fine mug, but it's so pristine that I'm afraid to use it! Do I place it in my "shave den" for decoration and use it only when she watches me shave? Do I tell her just how valuable I think it is (and may become in the future) and store it safely away from the action? SWMBO is a fine woman and I absolutely do not want to hurt her feelings. I realize the mug is just a piece of "furniture" that can be replaced, but it does hold a certain intrinsic value. HELP!!!!

Put is in a place that it will be safe mabe displayed in your shave den. Use it only on special occasions or maby only on the weekends. Tell her how special it is and how much you appreciate it. As well that as it is so special you want to insure you have it forever and maybe even pass it down the family line... And above all tell her how wonderful she is for getting you such a amazing gift that has as much meaning to you as it does. If it were me i'd just use it enjoy it and be careful to put it away safely after each use, as theres no way i would ever sell it might as well enjoy it.

You could ask her if she intends for you to use it or if she some how knew, maybe through our constant and endless discussions of all things wet shaving related, that you would enjoy having something so nice for your collection? I have a few items I consider very nice and rarely use them, they're more like museum pieces. My SWMBO tolerates my hobby but sometimes her eyes glaze over when I start babbling about it, but get her into an antique store and she's like a bloodhound sniffing out razors, mugs, and hones that I missed when i looked. My guess is she knew you would enjoy having it whether you use it or just display it. Just make sure you return the favor. :)

I don't see why you couldn't use, it's not like you'll be running through the dishwasher. Just make sure it is never around the edge of the counter, and that you hand wash and dry thoroughly before putting it away. But if it will make you feel better, as has been previously suggested, just use it occasionally.

Thanks, guys! As we are going out to dinner in a couple of hours, I will be using it this afternoon. Based on the consensus, I should use it occasionally, but not daily. I guess I'll have to build a larger and deeper shelf over the commode -- which necessitates accumulating MORE RAZORS :beer2:
Gentlemen, I appreciate the insights and I say "Thank you!"

Use it man. It's just a shaving mug. It's value is in who bought it for you. Nothing else. Use it, love it and adore your lady.

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Originally Posted by rickboone

Use it man. It's just a shaving mug. It's value is in who bought it for you. Nothing else. Use it, love it and adore your lady.

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I totally agree, if it were me i would use it often, its value is irrelevent it was purchase for you to use and love not look at!!

Gentlemen:
Thanks for your replies and suggestions! I plan on using it for "special" occasions and keeping it on a safe shelf in my lil' shave den. :D

one more suggestion, you could use it constantly but not for making lather. e.g. store a handful of straights in it, this way it has a use AND doesn't get abused.

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Originally Posted by TwistedOak

one more suggestion, you could use it constantly but not for making lather. e.g. store a handful of straights in it, this way it has a use AND doesn't get abused.

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Great idea! You are so slick ;-)

Check out this link Mug Index It'll give you an idea of how old it is as well as an estimated value. Don't let her see the prices though, in case she overpaid what the estimate states. I have some of the earlier glass ones that are holding up well. I say use it.

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Originally Posted by Ducksfan

Check out this link Mug Index It'll give you an idea of how old it is as well as an estimated value. Don't let her see the prices though, in case she overpaid what the estimate states. I have some of the earlier glass ones that are holding up well. I say use it.

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Ducksfan:
Thank you very much!

Anytime. :)
So, now I'm curious to hear what you have. Do you have pics of it? I've been looking around for an early pottery one, but haven't seen one in good shape yet. There's one at a local antique store, but the graphics are all but worn off. :(

Ducksfan:
Sorry, no pics because I don't have the equipment to take and post them here. I'm watching the Kings beat the Devils 1-0 at 1st intermission right now. I'll print up your chart and get back to you soon on which variation it is.
Sante!

I say put the puck in the mug, stir up some suds and use it! You are lucky she cares enough to get it for you. I really am tired of guys posting about making museum pieces of this old stuff! No offence, but Old Spice mugs are common. You cannot wear the thing out unless you drop it! You have an opportunity to show gratification for a gift and use a cool vintage mug! Go for it! :) JMHO

Okay guys, I'm back after a lil' bike ride that lasted a few days. Ducksfan provided a link to a mug index (Thank you again!), and I've been able to determine that SWMBO gave me an Late American Glass Mug 02 (1964-1978). While this is younger than myself, it is still a wonderful piece.
Sorry about the delay, but sometimes life gets in the way. SWMBO wants me to use this mug frequently, and in the spirit of fostering peace in my home I will do so. Thanks for your assistance and patience!