Why Victorian gentlemen relied on a specialized cup to protect their facial hair

The Victorian Moustache Cup · 3:45 · Video: Today I Found Out · Watch at the source

In short: The moustache cup was a common household item in mid-to-late Victorian England. Designed with an internal ledge, it prevented hot beverages from ruining a gentleman's carefully groomed moustache. This video explains the history and purpose of this peculiar piece of Victorian dining ware.

In the mid-to-late Victorian era, a well-groomed moustache was a mark of a self-respecting gentleman. To keep their facial hair pristine while drinking, men used a moustache cup, which featured a small internal lip to shield the hair from liquids.

While it might seem like a novelty item today, these cups were once a serious and ubiquitous accessory for any man sporting a moustache in England.

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