Mustache cups were very popular items during the late Victorian period. These cups, for drinking beverages, were designed specifically for the man with the mustache. Made in silverplate as well as china and ironstone these large cups had a “mustache bar” to protect the mustache from getting wet as the man drank his coffee, tea, etc. Decorations ranged from simple transfers to elaborately applied and gilded designs. To properly position the “mustache bar,” cups were even designed for the lefthanded person.