Item Number: 708
Approximate Size: 3¼″ H; 5½ oz.
Production Dates: 1935-1944 T&J; 1980-1981 Handled Baby/Youth Mug
The Tom and Jerry is a beautiful little piece. It is approximately 3¼″ tall, and holds about 5½ ounces. Contrary to what many people think, this mug was originally designed for adults – not children. It was first introduced around 1935, at a time when a traditional yuletide cocktail was very popular in the United States. The name of this hot cocktail was a “Tom & Jerry”.
At the time Fostoria introduced the Tom and Jerry Mug into its American line, they categorized this piece as a “Liquor Item”. It is, indeed, the perfect size for a warm cocktail. Eventually, the drink of the same name started to lose its popularity. It would seem that separating twelve eggs and garnishing each drink with wintry spices was quite labor intensive for many folks – no matter how good the cocktail was. The Tom and Jerry Mug stayed in production through 1944; thereafter, it stayed in retirement for many years.
When it was later reintroduced, it was known simply as a Handled Mug, Item 708. Due to its smaller size, this particular mug was included in the American Boxed Youth Gift Set. The set included a Handled Mug (aka Tom and Jerry Mug), a Bowl, and a 6″ Youth Plate. Even though Fostoria’s official name for this piece was now the Handled Mug, it is commonly referred to as the “Baby and/or Youth Mug” by many collectors.
Fostoria Glass produced the Tom and Jerry Mugs in clear crystal. The colored Handled Mugs (Ruby, Cobalt, and White Milk Glass) were produced by Mosser Glass, commissioned by the Fostoria Glass Society of America. The “FGSA” initials can be seen on the bottom of the mug. The White Milk Glass variation is the latest addition, introduced in 2024.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay. The following link shows available Tom and Jerry Mugs on eBay.
