They're making memories tonight... (Tagline from It's A Wonderful Life)

{HISTORY}

Calling out for endless amounts of hot chocolate, bottomless coffees or continuous cups of hot tea, this pair of pretty vintage restaurant ware cups set just the right, festive mood for holiday fun. With their red stripes and scallops, swags and flowers, they add instant style and cozy warmth to the season, along with a bit of history.  

Manufactured by one of the hotel industry's leading dishware makers, this pair of Sterling China cups were made in the 1980s in East Liverpool, Ohio. The pottery company had been in business since 1917, and through the next several decades steadily built up a reputation for craftsmanship and design that appealed particularly to restaurants and hotels all around the country. By the time the 1950s rolled around, Sterling was at the top of its game, expanding the pottery into newly acquired plants, including one in Puerto Rico. Especially known for their glazing techniques and lasting design durability, the pottery continued to grow and thrive throughout the 20th century. But, unfortunately, by the early 2000s, Sterling China Company closed, just shy of their 100th birthday, as they were unable to compete with foreign markets.

Heavy and durable, weighing in at just over half a pound each, these two matching cups feature ear-shaped handles, an embossed scalloped edge just under the rim, and a rare hard-to-find cranberry transferware design with a handpainted stripe. Both cups were made by Sterling, but each bears a different style of the company's logo and each was made in a different year (one in 1981, the other in 1984).

A lovely choice for setting the holiday mood they fit a variety of occasions whether you are warming up after a day of play in the snow, waking up to a fresh pot of morning coffee or winding down with a cup of Christmas tea, this festive duo adds non-cliche holiday charm and appeal all season long.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Hard-to-find pattern

- Scalloped design

- Stamped on back with maker's mark and date codes O2  and P7 signaling that they were in 1981 and 1984 

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. Contains no chips or cracks. Shiny and bright, both inside and out.

{SIZE}

Each cup measures 4" inches diameter x 2.5" inches (height) and weighs 10.5 oz 

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

For fun mix and match vintage restaurant ware collections, pair these two cups with this red restaurant ware plate.