Invented in the 1860s by British man Harvey Adams, the moustache cup was created to keep moustaches dry while sipping tea.

Tea caused two problems for moustache havers: the steam melted the wax used to style the ‘stache, and darker teas stained light coloured moustaches.

The insert would serve as a shelter, keeping the moustache dry with each sip. A small passage was right under the shelf to allow the tea to pass through to the lips.

You can find a moustache cup at specialty tea shops, and at online boutiques. Finding an original cup is a real treasure as many of these cups aren’t around today.

(Hint: one of these cups would make for a great gift for a gentleman tea lover’s birthday or Father’s day!)