Old Spice Shaving Mug Value Guide: Collector Prices & Identification

Old Spice shaving mugs were produced from the late 1930s through the 1990s, with the earliest and rarest examples now fetching significant prices in the collectibles market. These mugs feature iconic sailing ship designs like the Grand Turk and Friendship, reflecting the maritime theme that became synonymous with the Old Spice brand.

For collectors and those who’ve inherited these pieces, understanding what determines their value is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various factors that influence Old Spice shaving mug values, how to identify different models, current market prices, and tips for buying or selling these nostalgic treasures.

The earliest Old Spice mugs were manufactured by Hull Pottery for Shulton. These featured the "Ship Grand Turk" design and were made in the USA. These are among the most valuable due to their rarity and historical significance.

The "Ship Friendship" design was introduced during this period. Mugs from this era typically have "Early American Old Spice" with no ribs around the interior bottom, designed for a 5-ounce soap cake.

A redesign introduced internal ribs to hold the soap. Mugs from this period typically feature "Early American Old Spice" and the Ship Friendship design with clearer detail.

Mugs featured the "Ship Grand Turk Salem 1786" motif. Production moved overseas with some mugs marked as made in England, Japan, or Germany.

The last era of Old Spice shaving mug production featured various designs and manufacturing locations before production eventually ceased as shaving preferences changed.

The connection between Old Spice and maritime imagery stems from the brand’s original inspiration. When Shulton founder William Lightfoot Schultz created Old Spice in 1937, he was inspired by his mother’s potpourri and colonial American maritime history. The ship designs on the mugs, primarily the Grand Turk and the Friendship, became iconic brand elements.

According to collector resources like Razor Archive, the earliest glass mug without interior ribs was designed specifically for a 5.0-ounce soap cake, a detail that helps collectors identify authentic early pieces.

Age and Rarity

Generally, older Old Spice mugs command higher prices, with the earliest Hull Pottery examples from 1938-1941 being the most valuable. According to collector forums like Badger & Blade, these early mugs can be worth significantly more than later models.

Condition

The condition of a shaving mug dramatically impacts its value:

Design and Manufacturer

Different ships and designs appear on Old Spice mugs, affecting their value:

• Ship Grand Turk - Appearing on the earliest mugs (1938-1941) by Hull Pottery and later revival designs
• Ship Friendship - Featured on many mid-century mugs
• Manufacturing location - American-made mugs typically command higher prices than those made overseas

Original Packaging and Accessories

Mugs that retain their original packaging, instructions, or accompanying accessories like matching brushes can be worth substantially more. A complete set with the original box in good condition can increase value by 30-50%.

Markings and Authenticity

Authentic Old Spice mugs have specific markings that help determine their age and origin:

• Early Hull Pottery mugs (1938-1941) have “HULL - USA” marked on the bottom
• Later mugs have markings indicating “Shulton” and the country of manufacture
• Some limited editions and special releases have unique markings

According to expert appraisals on JustAnswer, later production mugs from the 1964-1978 period with the Ship Grand Turk Salem 1786 motif typically sell for $15-$20 in standard condition. The Badger & Blade forum notes that the two versions of the “Ship Friendship” mugs in very good condition tend to be worth $20-$40.

For the earliest and rarest Hull Pottery examples, values can climb significantly higher, especially with original packaging. Collectors on specialized forums report sales of pristine examples ranging from $75-$150 or more.

Bottom Markings and Manufacturer Identification

Turn the mug over and examine the base markings:

• Hull Pottery era (1938-1941): Look for “HULL - USA” marking
• Early to mid-production: “Shulton Inc.” markings
• Later production: Country of manufacture (England, Japan, etc.)
• Limited editions: Special markings or numbering

Design and Construction Details

Examine the mug for these telling design elements:

• Interior ribs: Early mugs (pre-1956) had no interior ribs
• Ship design details: Earlier mugs typically have more detailed ship illustrations
• Material quality: Earlier mugs generally have a higher quality finish and glaze
• Size and proportions: Different eras had slightly different dimensions

According to Razor Archive, the earliest glass mug is the only Old Spice glass mug without ribs around the interior bottom, a key identification factor for collectors.

Signs of Authenticity vs. Reproductions

Be aware that reproductions exist in the market:

• Authentic mugs have a certain weight and feel
• The glaze quality on originals is generally superior
• Authentic marks have specific font characteristics
• Original ship designs have precise details that reproductions often miss

Best Places to Find Old Spice Shaving Mugs

For collectors seeking to purchase vintage Old Spice mugs, several platforms offer good selections:

1. eBay: Consistently offers the largest selection of Old Spice mugs across all eras. According to their collectibles section, prices range widely from $10 for common models to over $100 for rare examples.

2. Etsy: Particularly good for finding unique or rare Old Spice mugs, with many sellers specializing in vintage grooming items. The Etsy marketplace often features well-preserved examples with original packaging.

3. Ruby Lane: This curated antique marketplace frequently lists higher-end Old Spice mugs from earlier production periods, like this early 1940’s example.

4. Antique Shows and Flea Markets: Often yield unexpected finds at negotiable prices.

5. Specialty Auction Houses: For the rarest examples, especially from the Hull Pottery era.

Selling Your Old Spice Shaving Mugs

If you’re looking to sell, consider these options:

1. eBay: Offers the largest potential audience of collectors
2. Etsy: Good for reaching dedicated vintage enthusiasts
3. Ruby Lane: Best for higher-end, authenticated pieces
4. Collector Forums: Sites like Badger & Blade have marketplace sections frequented by knowledgeable collectors
5. Consignment Shops: For rare, high-value examples

Start with Research

Before making any purchases:

• Study the different eras and designs of Old Spice mugs
• Learn to recognize authentic markings and features
• Join collector forums like Badger & Blade to learn from experienced collectors
• Reference price guides and recent auction results

Focus Your Collection

Consider specializing in:

• A specific era (Hull Pottery, early Shulton, etc.)
• Complete sets with original boxes and accessories
• Different ship designs or manufacturing locations
• Unusual variants and limited editions

Condition Matters

• Inspect for chips, cracks, and crazing before purchasing
• Check for repairs or restorations that might affect value
• Examine the clarity of the ship design and markings
• Look for original packaging whenever possible

Authentication Considerations

• Be skeptical of unusually low prices for rare models
• Request clear photos of bottom markings before purchasing online
• Compare details with known authentic examples
• Ask sellers for provenance information when available

Preservation and Display

• Store mugs away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Handle carefully to avoid chips and cracks
• Consider display cases with UV protection for valuable pieces
• Keep original packaging in acid-free containers

The most valuable Old Spice shaving mugs are those from the earliest production period (1938-1941) manufactured by Hull Pottery. These mugs featuring the "Ship Grand Turk" design can sell for $75-$150 or more in excellent condition with original packaging. Limited editions and rare variants can also command premium prices.

You can determine the age of your Old Spice shaving mug by examining:

- Bottom markings: Early Hull Pottery mugs (1938-1941) are marked "HULL - USA"
- Interior design: Pre-1956 mugs have no interior ribs
- Ship design: Different periods featured either the "Ship Grand Turk" or "Ship Friendship"
- Manufacturing location: Later mugs were made in England, Japan, or Germany
- Text styling: The way "Old Spice" and "Shulton" appear changed over time

The [Razor Archive](https://www.razorarchive.com/articles/old-spice-mug-variations) provides detailed information on identifying different production periods.

No, Old Spice no longer manufactures traditional ceramic shaving mugs. Production of the classic design shaving mugs ended in the 1990s as shaving preferences changed and the company shifted its product focus. Modern Old Spice products focus on contemporary grooming solutions rather than traditional wet shaving accessories.

The main differences between shaving mugs and shaving bowls are:

- Shape: Mugs are taller with vertical sides and typically have handles, while bowls are wider with sloped sides
- Function: Mugs were designed to hold hot water and pre-made shaving soap, while bowls are used to create lather directly
- Design: Traditional mugs like Old Spice examples often featured decorative elements, while bowls tend to be more utilitarian

Old Spice produced shaving mugs rather than bowls, designed to hold their signature soap pucks.

Yes, original packaging significantly increases the value of an Old Spice shaving mug. A mug with its original box, instructions, and any accompanying accessories can be worth 30-50% more than the same mug without packaging. Collectors place high value on complete sets, especially for older or rarer models. The original packaging also helps authenticate the piece and provides historical context.

Shaving mugs were most popular from the 1880s through the 1940s, with custom and personalized mugs being particularly fashionable from the 1880s to the 1930s. The Old Spice shaving mugs remained popular from their introduction in 1938 through the 1960s, when changing shaving habits began to reduce their everyday use. Today, they're primarily collected for their nostalgic and historical value rather than practical use.

A Victorian shaving scuttle differs from an Old Spice shaving mug in several key ways:

- Design: A scuttle is a double-walled ceramic bowl with a separate compartment for hot water to keep lather warm
- Functionality: Scuttles maintain lather temperature through multiple passes, while Old Spice mugs simply hold soap
- Era: Victorian scuttles predate Old Spice mugs, being popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
- Complexity: Scuttles are more complex with multiple chambers, while Old Spice mugs have a simpler, single-chamber design

Old Spice never produced shaving scuttles, focusing instead on their iconic decorative mugs with ship designs.

The value of Old Spice shaving mugs continues to hold steady and even appreciate for the rarest examples. Early Hull Pottery mugs from 1938-1941 represent the pinnacle for collectors, while even more common later models offer nostalgic appeal and decorative charm.

Whether you’re an experienced collector looking to add a rare Hull Pottery example to your collection, or someone who discovered an Old Spice mug in a family member’s estate, understanding the factors that determine value will help you make informed decisions about buying, selling, or preserving these classic pieces of Americana.

As traditional wet shaving enjoys a renaissance among modern men seeking more mindful grooming rituals, the appreciation for these historic shaving implements continues to grow, ensuring that Old Spice shaving mugs will remain coveted collectibles for generations to come.

Detailed information on identifying different Old Spice mug variations and production periods, with specific features to help date your collectibles.

Active community of wet shaving enthusiasts and collectors who discuss Old Spice collectibles, valuations, and trading opportunities.

Regularly updated marketplace featuring a wide selection of Old Spice shaving mugs across all eras and price points.

Curated selection of Old Spice shaving mugs from independent sellers, often featuring rare and well-preserved examples.

Premium antique marketplace featuring higher-end vintage shaving collectibles with detailed provenance information.

Professional appraisal service where experts can provide specific valuations for your Old Spice collectibles.