How A World War II Invention Shaped The Diner Mugs We Know Today

World War II completely changed the face of American goods, between a combination of emerging technology and changing needs. Smarties candy, for instance, was pressed in old-school WWII ammunition machinery. Another icon of retro American dining came about as a result of World War II: the Victor mug, which was the template for every generic white mug you slurp coffee from in a diner to this day.

There are certain foods that you should avoid ordering in a diner, but coffee probably wouldn't be on anyone's blacklist. Whether it's manna from heaven or tastes like sludge, you're likely going to down at least a cup or two as you slice into your stack of pancakes, which always seem to taste better at a restaurant, and drizzle ketchup on your hash browns. In a ton of American diners, especially vintage ones, that coffee will likely be served in a plain, heavy white mug. It's durable, chip-resistant, and holds heat well. 

We wouldn't have it without the mugs that Victor Insulators designed for the U.S. Navy in the heat of World War II. The cup was concave, held six ounces of coffee, and its unglazed bottom resisted slipping. It was heavy, too, which made it less likely to go flying when the ship listed in churning water. After the war ended, Victor Insulators had gotten so proficient at making china that it didn't stop, and so Victor mugs flooded American diners, where they were prized for their strength in these high-use environments.

Up until the 1980s, it was a safe bet that your diner coffee was served in a genuine Victor mug, which was easily authenticated by the "Victor" stamp on its bottom. However, during the Reagan administration, counterfeit Chinese dupes of this drinkware began flooding the market. They were almost 50% cheaper than real Victor mugs, which were somewhat pricey due to their impeccable quality, and the knockoffs began to outsell the originals. By 1990, Victor Insulators went back to solely manufacturing electronic and industrial components and left the mug business entirely. Over the ensuing years, generic porcelain mugs from restaurant supply companies replaced Victor mugs at eateries from coast to coast. 

Today, genuine Victor mugs have become collectable, with folks hopping on secondhand sites like Etsy and eBay to score a set for their personal use. While diner-grade Victor mugs are white or may simply have an understated colored band, Victor expanded to all sorts of colors over the years. You might even find a customized Victor mug if you're especially lucky! Between hot resale demand and the fact that mugs are prone to break over time — even well-made mugs like the ones in question — real Victor mugs are getting harder and harder to find. Next time the waitress fills your coffee mug at a diner, however, take a look at the cup. Even if it's not the real vintage deal, it's a safe bet that the shape was inspired by a Victor original!