Regina and Pig Pen

Regina vacuum cleaners had an entire campaign around Pig Pen, the character from Charles Schultz's Peanuts comic strip.  This mug shows Pig pen with his trademark dust clouds and dirty face standing beside the Regina Logo and the phrase "Powerful enough to clean up after Pigpen."

Once hot liquids are added, all the dirty on his face and clothes as well as the cloud of dust disappear to show Pigpen in all his clean glory.  There is a very clever design that shows Pigpen with a sort of smile when covered with dirt and a frown when the dirt cleans off.  Nice mug, the color change is near complete, too!


DESIGN:  1 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Promotional

Wallis Optical

This week's mug comes from Wallis Optical Company.  The left side of the mug features a large pair of sunglasses, above which is printed "GET", and between the lenses, the word "AT" and then the name 'Wallis Optical Company' below.  The odd phrase immediately draws you in to wonder what could it mean? 

When hot liquid is added, it all comes together.  The lenses clear to reveal a palm studded shoreline and the words "SPEC'S" and "APPEAL" appear.  This completes the phrase "Get Spec's Appeal at Wallis Optical Company."  One might wonder at the use of the apostrophe, making it possessive rather than plural, but if you take the time to wonder at it, then the mug has done its job.  

Good color change, and a great use of the thermo ink! Most likely given to new customers during a special promotion.  

DESIGN:  1 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Promotional

Madonna and Child

For the last three weeks, I've featured new magic mugs (not brand new, but certainly new to me!) Others have told me they have a hard time finding them, so it's always great to find two in one day! 

This mug is totally black and has an almost matte finish, even the handle.  

When hot liquid is added to the mug, the entire mug clears (yes, even part of the handle!) to reveal three copies of a "Madonna and Child" style painting, much as you might see on prayer candles, running edge to edge around the mug, nearly handle to handle.

I am unsure of the history of this mug, and have no idea where it might have turned up.  I can only hope that it is one of a set and there are others out there to find.  The color change is quick and, as you can see, nearly complete. A very unique mug to say the least!

DESIGN:  Full, 3 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE:  Retail?

The Truckin' Bozo

This week's mug is from "the Truckin' Bozo." Bruce Dale Sommers, known by his nickname "The Truckin' Bozo", was an American radio personality, best known for his long-running country music show geared toward truck drivers.  On the right side of the mug is a stylized logo for The Truckin' Bozo and a shield with "Interstate All Night" printed on it.  Beneath that is the times, 12 midnight to 5 am, which is the times of Sommers' show. 

On the left side of the mug is the phrase 'To Get You Through The Night' above a dark window with curtains on either side and the stylized logo 'The Truckin Bozo' at the bottom.

When hot liquid is put in the cup, the window clears to show a caricature of Sommers wearing a heavy jacket and scarf and standing outside the window, with stars visible in the background. 

The mug is in great condition and has one of the best color changes as the magic ink turns almost totally clear and happens very fast.  I'd dare say that the mug has never been used.  Most likely the mug was given out to callers available in local truck stops.  

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