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VARIANT INDIAN WAR & SPANISH AMERICAN WAR ERA CUPS – COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE “SOUP CUP” – MARKED “MNG” FOR THE MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD:  Considerably deeper than the Model 1874 Cup, these US Army issue cups appeared at some point late in the Indian War period and have been associated with the final campaigns in the Southwest as well as continued use during the Spanish American War. 

Through the generous sharing of further information from Chris Magewick, I have learned that this pattern of cup was widely issued to units in the Michigan National Guard during the Spanish American War.  Specifically, it is known that these cups were issued to the 31ST through the 35TH Michigan Infantry Regiments.  The photos shown below, provided by Chris, capture the 33RD Michigan Infantry going into encampment at Camp Algers near Falls Church, Virginia during the Spanish American War and this pattern of cup is plainly visible in the photographs.  This historical documentation explains the “MNG” stamped in the handle of these cups, identifying them as property of the Michigan National Guard.   

Measuring 4 7/8” high and 4 ˝” in diameter, these cups are normally found without the “US” marking as is the case with these specimens.  This taller cup has come to be known as the “soup cup”, acknowledging the capacity of this cup to hold a soldier’s meal in the field such as beans, stew or a hearty soup.  Drawn from a single piece of iron as opposed to the two piece construction of the Model 1874 Cup, the bottom of this soup cup is integral to the sides of the cup, and the bottom edge is rounded rather than at right angle as on the earlier cups eliminating the risk of the bottom splitting away from the sides. 

Well recognized by experienced collectors, these cups are far from common, and when found, often appear to have been subjected to heavy use.  These cups would be a nice addition to your Apache Wars or Spanish American War display.

I have the following cups available, each listed below with accompanying photographs.

 

NO. 1  VARIANT INDIAN WAR & SPANISH AMERICAN WAR ERA CUP – MARKED “MNG” FOR THE MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD:  This specimen has seen some use, but is in overall solid condition with no holes or heavy corrosion, and it retains much of the original tin plating.  The handle is intact, firmly attached, and is stamped “MNG” indicating issue to one of the Michigan National Guard units.  The bottom surface of the cup bears a set of hand engraved initials, likely applied by the soldier to identify his cup.  If you were able to obtain the Michigan NG unit rosters from this era, you could probably identify the soldier to whom this cup was issued.  This is a very nice example.  SOLD

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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