DOCTOR WHO 1989

This is, perhaps, one of the best Magic Mugs I have in my collection.  It is from the BBC and was created loNg before the current Dr. Who series were on the air.  The mug is clean and bright, with the well known Dr. Who Logo on the front with the copyright date 1989 and BBC trademark just below it.  (For those not in the know, 1989 was the last year of the original set of Dr. Who Series.) 

On the back is the image of the TARDIS in blue, also with the copyright date 1989 and BBC Trademark below it.  

When hot liquid is added, the TARDIS, the date and BBC trademark totally disappear. For an older mug, this is a beautiful transformation! (Sadly, it does not make that 'TARDIS' noise when it disappears!)  And of course, it's one of my favorites.  

DESIGN:  1 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Retail

Consolidated - Biron Division

This mug comes  from Biron, Wisconsin.  It is from Consolidated Paper and shows one of the more standard uses of Thermochromatic Ink that I've found.  On the main side, the mug has the company script logo above the division name "Biron Division"

On the back is the phrase "WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY?" above a cartoon of a man wearing a hard hat.  When hot liquid is added to the mug, the hard hat clears to show the phrase "I AM!"  

This is a standard sized mug and the color change works great!  

DESIGN:  2 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color
TYPE: Corporate Freebie

Consolidated - Wisconsin Rapids Division

This mug comes all the way from Wisonsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  It is from Consolidated Paper and is one of the more interesting uses of Thermochromatic Ink that I've found.  The mug has a wrap around design of elephants and on the main side is the company name "Consolidated" in its logo script, and beneath that, "Wisconsin Rapids Division".  

On the other side is a dark square with the word "REMEMBER:" above it, and "YOU ALWAYS THINK" beside it.  Now this is where the Magic Ink really comes into play.  When hot liquid is added and the rectangle turns clear "You Always Think" now becomes THREE Safety Phrases:

YOU CAN CONTROL INJURIES!

ALWAYS REMIND OTHERS!

THINK BEFORE EVERY MOVE! 

This is a great use of the Magic Ink and a terrific mug in the collection! 

DESIGN:  Full, 3+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color

TYPE: Corporate Incentive

Rice Eye Clinic

This mug comes from a business in Clarkesville and Springfield, Tennessee. Rice Eye Clinic probably gave these out to customers.  I can't find any information on them, so I expect they've closed.  On the main side of the mug, you can see their logo and the advertising "Specializing in 'Small Incision' Cataract Surgery" above the addresses of two locations.

On the man side is a large drawing of an eye with a dark eyebrow.  Above the drawing is the line "Restoring Your Clear Vision." 

When hot liquid is added to the cup, the eyebrow clears to show the line 'With an Implant" and the center of the eye clears to show the iris.    

DESIGN:  Full, 1+ Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 1 Color

TYPE: Corporate Freebie

Varilux Lenses from Duffens Optical

This is a nice mug from an optical supply company named Duffens Optical. On the main side is a drawing of a set of spectacles with bifocal lenses.  Both bifocal lenses have a large X over them.  Below the drawing is a dark rectangle.

On the reverse of the mug is a stylized design of an eye with 'Naturally COMFORTable' above it.  Below is the name DUFFENS Optical and the phrae "Helping Professionals Deliver Their Best."

When hot liquid is added, both the bifocals and the Xs clear as well as the rectangle.  Behind the rectangle the phrase "VARILUX COMFORT" is visible.  

Great color change and a great design.  This is one of the few mugs with more than one color thermochromatic ink.  The bifocal design is a dark brown, and the Xs and rectangle are a near  black color.  

DESIGN:  1 Sided
THERMOCHROMIC: 2 Color
TYPE: Corporate Freebie

Bounty Microwave Paper Towels

This week's mug comes from a well known company, Bounty Paper Towels. The mug is designed well and advertises its product, Microwave Bounty, extremely well.  On the Main side of the mug is a drawing of a microwave oven with a digital timer.  The door is a dark square. 

On the back of the mug is a drawing of Bounty microwave in its packaging.  

When hot liquids are added, the door of the microwave clears and shows the phrase "Bounty Microwave ...Makes a Difference You Can Taste."

The color change is quick and near complete. A great mug and a great use of the Magic Ink. Not sure how it happened, but I have two of these great mugs in my collection! 

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

Dole

This would be a great Magic Mug if it weren't for the damage.  As you can see in all three pictures, the Thermochromatic Ink has been rendered nearly useless by exposure to UV Light and/or Microwaves.  Originally opaque, it would have shown a wonderful 3 sided wraparound design of silhouetted tropical fruit on a cream background. 

After hot liquid is added, the silhouetted fruit design would turn clear showing the DOLE label on two sides.

I really would have loved to see this mug when it was new to see the change happen.  As always, I still enjoy these mugs as a good design, a collectible for my collection and, as always, a great example of what happens when Magic Mugs are put in a microwave oven.


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