Vintage Cups, Glasses and Mugs

It’s interesting to see the different promotional and corporate products made over the years. Every week we will feature a cool retro cup, glass or mug from our large collection. We’ll share what we’ve learned about them and welcome your additional input and comments.

The manufacturer of this cup and saucer was the Walker China Company of Bedford, Ohio. They were originally incorporated in 1923 by Albert M. Walker and Henry Bailey as Bailey Walker China. The name was changed in 1942 to The Walker China Company. By then they were making durable dishware for restaurants, hotels, clubs and steamships. The mark on the bottom of the cup reads “2-39”. To date Walker China, you add 1922 to the second number. Therefore, the cup dates to 1961 and the saucer, that reads “11-37” dates to 1959.

This cup and saucer were made for the Esso Oil Corporation for use on their oil tankers. Heavy-duty dishes like these would be a necessity in a mess hall, due to their repeated use. Esso began as the first foreign offshoot of the Standard Oil Trust in 1888. The name “Esso” was first used in 1926 and was officially changed to the company name in 1951. By 1972 the name was changed to the Exxon Corporation.

Manufactured by:
The Walker China Company
Bedford, Ohio