Shanghai Mug

$72.00

Our mugs are made from sturdy cattle horns. Unlike water buffalo horns that will delaminate over time, cattle horns are denser and will not split. The handles are cut and formed with a process of heat and steam then allowed to set and cure into a sturdy handle. The sturdy bottom is made from wood. We seal the inside of the mug with a food safe resin. This keeps the pours of the horn sealed so there is no flavor transfer between use and to prevent leaks.

Horns can be different in many ways with scars and imperfections. This is part of the natural beauty of horn products. Coloring of the horn depends on the animal’s diet and minerals in the water it drank.  Volume of the mugs will vary due to the natural growth of the horns.

Average volume is 24 - 30 oz.

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Care:

Do not put mugs in the dishwasher

Do not let the mug soak in water for prolonged periods of time, this will cause splitting and delamination of the horn. Wash and dry promptly. Inside of the cup is coated, outside is polished horn. No Scalding hot liquids. Alcohol and other liquids are fine. Occasionally oil the outside of the mug with coconut oil, olive oil, or a food safe oil. Mugs will crack and dry out over time as they are a natural material much like leather and need to be treated occasionally.

Our mugs are made from sturdy cattle horns. Unlike water buffalo horns that will delaminate over time, cattle horns are denser and will not split. The handles are cut and formed with a process of heat and steam then allowed to set and cure into a sturdy handle. The sturdy bottom is made from wood. We seal the inside of the mug with a food safe resin. This keeps the pours of the horn sealed so there is no flavor transfer between use and to prevent leaks.

Horns can be different in many ways with scars and imperfections. This is part of the natural beauty of horn products. Coloring of the horn depends on the animal’s diet and minerals in the water it drank.  Volume of the mugs will vary due to the natural growth of the horns.

Average volume is 24 - 30 oz.

Free Shipping

Care:

Do not put mugs in the dishwasher

Do not let the mug soak in water for prolonged periods of time, this will cause splitting and delamination of the horn. Wash and dry promptly. Inside of the cup is coated, outside is polished horn. No Scalding hot liquids. Alcohol and other liquids are fine. Occasionally oil the outside of the mug with coconut oil, olive oil, or a food safe oil. Mugs will crack and dry out over time as they are a natural material much like leather and need to be treated occasionally.

Legend of the Shanghai mug

Life at sea wasn't a picnic in the early days of the British navy. Conditions were so bad, no one was foolish enough to join. Scurvy, floggings, tropical disease, poor food, and death were the norm on naval ships.

The English came up with a cunning plan! The king, or Queen, could decree that anyone who accepted a shilling from the crown was automatically in the navy. Officers were often sent into the Pubs and taverns to “recruit”.  The unwary victim would have a coin dropped into their mug secretly by the disguised officers. Once finished with their mug of ale, the unsuspecting target would be pleasantly suprised to dump a coin into their hand upon finishing their beverage. But, unfortunately their new wealth was a trap and a long harsh trip out to sea was their only reward.

Pirate life had better conditions, and often when they attacked a ship, the opposing crew was offered a chance to join the pirate ship. Many sailors took the offer, making piracy a nice alternative. Unfortunately, if you were caught the sentence for piracy was death.