Monday, July 27, 2015

F-14 Tomcat - ANYTIME, BABY ..!


This is one of a long line of mugs from the US Government sold at military bases.  Most I've found only on base at the PX and have been purchased and given to me as a gift. Others, such as this one, were found used in thrift stores and yard sales.  This mug is for the F-14 Tomcat and on the right side is the F-14 Tomcat Logo, with the words "Anytme, Baby ..!" at the bottom. 

On the left side of the mug is a representational drawing of an F-14 Tomcat chasing some unknown foe across the skies.
When hot liquid is added to the mug, the wing of the target aircraft disappears and reappears behind a cloud of grey. The wing is shot off and in flames!  Another win for the US F-14 Tomcat!  

The mug is in great shape, and though used the color change is good.  

DESIGN:  1+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Retail

Monday, July 20, 2015

Citgo Says GO!

This week's mug is from the Citgo Gas Company.  On the right side of the mug is the Citgo Logo and the caption "Says Go!"
On the left side of the mug and wrapping a full 180 degrees is a drawing of a dalmatian on a dark background.  Above this drawing is the phrase 'Super Premium Performance" and next to the drawing are the words "You Can Expect To Be..."
When  hot liquid is added, the dark square clears to reveal the end of the phrase "...Totally Blown Away!"  But, more than just the word reveal, you can see that the wind (of a passing performance auto?) has 'blown' the spots right off the dalmatian!  Spots on the dog disappear from the dog's coat along with the dark background and the spots are revealed blowing off in the wind!  A wonderful use of the Magic Ink in this design! 

This mug was given out as a corporate freebie to prospective customers and also sold in Citgo Marts.  Great colors and color change is terrific! 

DESIGN:  1+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Retail

Monday, July 13, 2015

Holweger Optical - Seeing is Believing

This week's mug is from Holweger Optical of Northwest Kansas.  On the right side of the mug is the title "Seeing Is Believing" just above a dark colored bar.  Also you will see a drawing of an eye, with a dark circle in the center of the eye.

On the left side of the mug is the office name "Northwest Kansas Eye Clinic" along with the office logo of a stylized eye above the words 'EYE CARE.'  At the bottom is the Doctor's name, Ronald Holweger, MD and the phone number.
When hot liquid is added, the dark bar clears to complete the phrase "Seeing is Believing" with an implant. At the same time, the center of the eye clears to reveal an implant within the eye.

This mug is in great shape, color change is about average.  This mug was probably given to patients as a way to advertise.

DESIGN:  1+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Corporate Freebie

Monday, July 6, 2015

Elvis US Postage Stamp

This mug was created to introduce the Elvis Postage Stamp in 1993 (and holds the record for the most abundantly printed stamp in US Postage History.)  Though the stamp just showed the design without the bars, the mug shows the stamp behind a set of black Jailhouse Bars (even a heart shaped keyhole)  To the right and left are the words Jailhouse Rock.
When hot liquids are added the bars disappear and the word Jailhouse also disappears leaving Elvis and ROCK.  Also visible now is the caption "THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL." at the bottom.
On the right side of the mug is the following information:
STAMP DESIGN © 1992 UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE.
IMAGE DESIGN CONCEPTS INC. DENVER,COLORADO
NONEXCLUSIVE LICENSEE OF THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE.

I'm especially happy to post this mug at this time as just last week (July 2, 2015) the US Postal Service announced another Elvis Stamp as part of its Forever Line honoring music legends.  The 1993 series was the most popular in US Postal History.  Additionally, Elvis will be the first artist ever to be featured on two stamps. 

DESIGN:  1+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Retail