These mugs are manufactured specially for the Museum by Chown China. The Balmoral mugs are bone china. The decoration is fired at above 800°C for everlasting permanence and outstanding dish-washer resistance.

Please DO NOT put boiling water into the porcelain mugs as they are liable to crack. We advise that you place a spoon into the mug when pouring in water that has just finished boiling and this will prevent damage. They are the equivalent of the porcelain tea cup.

The mug has information printed on the reverse side and details some of the history of the Hansom Cab.

“In 1843, Joseph Hansom of Leicestershire, UK, patented his original carriage design. It was light, well balanced with a low-centre of gravity, making it easy for one horse to pull and was safe for passengers.

By the 19th century Hansom Cabs were in use throughout Europe and the British Empire. With the introduction of the ‘taximeter’ to measure fares, they became knows as ‘Taxi Cabs’.

The name ‘cab’ is a derivative of the French Cabriolet.”