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.

This retro mug features a character called Reddy Kilowatt. He was created in 1926 by Ashton B. Collins, Sr. at the Alabama Power Company as a spokesperson for the electric utility industry. His purpose was to promote the use of electricity in the home, which in 1926, was still a relatively new technology. His use was licensed to approximately 300 companies in both the United States and abroad.

In addition to advertising, Reddy Kilowatt appeared in a movie, in comic books and on all kinds of promotional items. He made frequent appearances until recently when energy conservation, rather than its use, became more heavily emphasized.

Reddy Kilowatt appears on a ceramic coffee cup and saucer that would have been part of a place setting used in a corporate lunchroom at an electric utility. They were made by Syracuse China in 1955.
Manufactured by:

Syracuse China Corporation
2801 Court Street
Syracuse, NY 13208