Vintage Mug

Vintage (Made in Japan) ceramic Santa Claus Christmas mug: As high as 5,077 ppm Lead

June 24, 2018January 2, 2024

For those new to this website: Tamara Rubin is a multiple-federal-award-winning independent advocate for childhood Lead poisoning prevention and consumer goods safety, and a documentary filmmaker. She is also a mother of Lead-poisoned children (two of her sons were acutely Lead-poisoned in 2005). Since 2009, Tamara has been using XRF technology (a scientific method used…

“Old Town Blue” Pattern Vintage Pyrex Tea Cup, c.1972 – 1982: 17,700 ppm Lead [90 ppm is unsafe for kids.]

April 19, 2018September 2, 2019

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Vintage Pyrex mugs/ tea cups in the “Old Town Blue” pattern: The dark blue paint on these mugs tested positive for the following elements at the following levels (with a one-minute test, using an XRF instrument): Lead (Pb): 17,700 +/- 500 ppm Cadmium (Cd): 154 +/- 12 ppm Arsenic (As): ND Mercury (Hg): ND…

#Leaded: Vintage Milk Glass Fire King Mug and Tray Set

January 28, 2018

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Vintage Fire King Milk Glass Mug: 44, 600 ppm lead (on the blue painted surface.) Tested with an XRF instrument in 2014. If you have an interest in learning more about these posts (likely because you are new to my site!) please check out this post and this post for a start! Thanks for visiting!…

Silver Bordered Vintage China Mug / Tea Cup: 104,700 ppm Lead [90 ppm Lead is unsafe for kids.]

December 3, 2017March 18, 2019

Mug with “silver” border (where your lips would go!) It turns out the “silver” is achieved by using Leaded glaze! Inside of cup is 845 ppm lead, “silver” border is 104,700 ppm Lead. Tested with an XRF instrument in 2014. I apologize that I did not capture information about the maker or pattern on this…

Vintage Johnson Bros. Hearts & Flowers Mug: 50,600 ppm Lead. 90 ppm Lead (& up) is unsafe & illegal for new items made for use by kids.

November 23, 2017May 29, 2021

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When tested with an XRF instrument this “Made in England”, Johnson Brothers Mug was positive for 50,600 ppm Lead in the glaze. Originally written November 23, 2017 Updated December 1, 2019 How much Lead is too much Lead? For context, the hazard level for a modern/newly manufactured item intended for use by children is anything…

#Leaded: Yellow Unmarked Vintage Mug

November 20, 2017January 28, 2018

Sunny yellow coffee mug; no mark or maker – 215,800 ppm lead! Hazard level for a modern/newly manufactured toy is anything 90 ppm lead or greater. There is no regulation** limiting total lead content in dishes as detected with an XRF (especially vintage dishes) & this one is cracked and crazing, so likely leaching lead…

1972 Handmade Christmas Mug / Teacup: 90,900 ppm Lead + 9,617 ppm Cadmium Too! [90 ppm Lead is unsafe for kids.]

April 30, 2017May 25, 2019

Vintage Handmade Christmas Mug from 1972: 90,900 ppm Lead (Pb). 9,617 ppm Cadmium (Cd). Read about #CadmiumConcerns here. For Context: the amount of lead that is considered toxic in a newly manufactured item intended for children is anything 90 ppm or higher in the paint, glaze or coating. Vintage dishes are not regulated. This Christmas cup…

Vintage Clarence Bone China Teacup: 56,700 ppm Lead [90 ppm is unsafe for kids.]

January 14, 2017March 18, 2019

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Clarence Bone China, Made in England, Teacup: 56,700 ppm Lead. For context, the amount of lead that is considered unsafe in newly manufactured items intended for use by children is anything 90 ppm Lead or higher in the paint, coating or glaze. Antiques and vintage items are not regulated and when selling them (in most…