ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Barber shops in the late 19th and early 20th centuries kept a wall full of its customers shaving mugs. This way when a gentleman needed a shave, he would visit his local barbershop, catch up on the goings on in town and get away from is work for a bit. Each mug was inscribed with his name and often decorated with an image related to his occupation. Many people were not educated, so the image greatly helped the barber with small talk. This example is inscribed Georg Preifing above an image of a man holding a thoroughbred horse by the reins, indicating that he was an owner or trainer. It measures 3 1/2 inches tall by 3 1/2 inches in diameter and is in excellent condition with wear on the gold trim around the rim and base. 17319-81QQP