Posted 8 years ago
billretire…
(592 items)
These "Trader Vic's" skull mugs were made by different companies over the years. The first was made by Tepco Pottery, an El Cerrito, California pottery company that produced the mugs from the 1930's-60's. The one in the 1st picture, I got from a Google search, and is from OOGA-MOOGA! Because the one I've had for over 10yrs. is boxed away! :^) It's known as the long jaw skull mug. I think the best looking, of any I've seen.
The 2nd-4th are two that I have. The dark tan one I got a few weeks ago at the Flea Market, and is impressed marked MADE FOR TRADER VICS, on the bottom, and I think was made in the U.S., maybe Hall Pottery? The light tan one is smaller by about 10% all the way around, H,W,L., and a thinner pottery too. It's under glaze stamped IMPORT BY OTAGIRI CO., I got this at the Flea a few years ago.
I just wanted to show these together, so you can see the difference, between them. I didn't research any of them recently, and only know that Tepco made the first one. If you have any other information, please let us know! :^)
They are very realistic and scary, don’t think I could have them in my house!
LOL I love them! I would put tea lights in them and watch them glow at night.....bah hahahahaha......
Thanks for the love maryh1956, you're right about being a little scary, maybe a good Halloween decoration. :^)
Thank you so much Bonnie, I think the little battery powered tea lights might fit the hole on the bottom, to light up the face, but inside the cup, it would just light upward. The Tepco long jaw has plenty of room, but can be a little pricey, but looks the best. :^)
Also thanks to everyone, for checking them out, and the loves! ! !
I was wrong with my first information that I posted about Tepco China, I said made in Hayward, Calif., and that's not correct, it was started in Richmond, Calif., and then moved to El Cerrito, Calif. where they made the Skull Mugs, and all their other products. Tepco closed in 1968.