Mrs. Bones Research Library

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Welcome to the Mrs. Bones Research Library, where we document the history, provenance, identification, and collector information behind the vintage and antique treasures we discover. Each guide is independently researched using historical references, manufacturer information, collector resources, and archival materials whenever available.

Mort Künstler "Chamberlain's Charge" Collectible Mug by Henriksen Imports

Research File No.: MBRL-2026-0003
Published: July 16, 2026
Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Research Confidence: 🟢 High

A Research & Provenance Brief

One of the most rewarding aspects of collecting historical memorabilia is discovering the stories preserved within everyday objects. While some collectibles are valued primarily for their craftsmanship, others become treasured because they commemorate significant moments in history or feature the work of celebrated artists. Researching these pieces often requires examining manufacturer markings, licensing information, artist references, historical records, and collector resources to fully understand their significance.

This page documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on a collectible ceramic mug featuring Mort Künstler's acclaimed painting "Chamberlain's Charge," depicting the Union assault at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. Through examination of the manufacturer's markings, licensing information, historical references, and available collector resources, we sought to identify the mug's origin, artistic significance, manufacturer, and place within the series of Civil War collectibles produced by Henriksen Imports.

Our goal is not simply to identify a collectible mug, but to preserve the historical information behind the artwork and the events it commemorates so that collectors, history enthusiasts, researchers, and future owners can better appreciate both the object and the remarkable story it represents.

Research Summary

Introduction

This Research Brief documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on an officially licensed Mort Künstler "Chamberlain's Charge" collectible ceramic mug produced by Henriksen Imports. Featuring a full-wrap reproduction of Künstler's celebrated Civil War painting depicting Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain leading the 20th Maine's famous bayonet charge at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, this collectible combines historical artwork with functional drinkware.

Our research focused on identifying the manufacturer, documenting the licensed artwork, confirming the historical event portrayed, and placing this mug within the broader series of Mort Künstler Civil War collectibles produced for history enthusiasts and collectors.

Although this brief is intentionally concise, it preserves the historical information uncovered during our research so that collectors, researchers, Civil War enthusiasts, and future owners can better appreciate both the artwork and the historic event commemorated by this collectible.

Research Summary

About Mort Künstler

Mort Künstler (born 1927) is widely regarded as one of America's foremost historical artists, earning international recognition for his meticulously researched paintings depicting the American Civil War, the Revolutionary War, the Old West, and other defining moments in American history. After beginning his career as a successful commercial illustrator for magazines, books, and advertising, Künstler devoted much of his later work to historical fine art, where his attention to authenticity and dramatic storytelling established him as one of the country's most respected military artists.

Among his most celebrated works are his Civil War paintings, many of which were created in collaboration with noted historians to ensure historical accuracy in uniforms, equipment, landscapes, and military tactics. His artwork has been reproduced as limited-edition prints, commemorative collectibles, books, calendars, and licensed merchandise, becoming highly sought after by Civil War enthusiasts, museums, veterans, and collectors alike.

The artwork featured on this collectible mug, Chamberlain's Charge, depicts one of the most famous moments of the Battle of Gettysburg and reflects Künstler's commitment to combining historical research with dramatic visual storytelling. Today, his paintings continue to educate, inspire, and preserve the memory of pivotal events in American history while remaining among the most recognizable examples of modern historical art.

Why "Chamberlain's Charge" Is Significant

The artwork reproduced on this collectible mug portrays one of the most celebrated moments of the American Civil War. On July 2, 1863, during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry defended the Union Army's far left flank atop Little Round Top against repeated Confederate assaults.

After hours of intense fighting, Chamberlain's regiment had nearly exhausted its ammunition. Rather than retreat or surrender the strategic position, he ordered a daring downhill bayonet charge that surprised the attacking Confederate forces and helped secure the Union line. Military historians widely regard this action as one of the pivotal moments of the Battle of Gettysburg, and Chamberlain later received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary leadership.

Mort Künstler's painting captures the courage, determination, and chaos of this historic charge, making it one of his most recognizable Civil War works. By reproducing this artwork on a collectible mug, Henriksen Imports created a functional keepsake that commemorates one of the defining moments in American military history.

Identifying the Collectible

Our collectible mug features:

• A full-wrap reproduction of Mort Künstler's Chamberlain's Charge
• A depiction of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Little Round Top
• Official Mort Künstler signature reproduced within the artwork
• High-quality glazed ceramic construction
• Comfortable square-profile handle
• Full-color panoramic artwork extending around the mug
• Official licensing and manufacturing information on the base

The underside carries the following markings:

Mort Künstler
© 2007 Mort Künstler
Henriksen Imports
Made in China
03/2010

After comparing the manufacturer's markings with collector references, retailer archives, and examples from the secondary market, we identified this piece as an officially licensed Henriksen Imports collectible featuring Mort Künstler's artwork. Research also confirms that this mug was produced as part of a broader collection of Civil War-themed drinkware showcasing several of Künstler's most celebrated historical paintings.

Unlike many souvenir mugs, this collectible is distinguished by its licensed fine art reproduction, historical subject matter, and association with one of America's most respected historical painters. While documentation for the complete series remains limited, surviving examples indicate that Henriksen Imports produced multiple mugs featuring different Mort Künstler Civil War scenes, making individual pieces desirable to both military history enthusiasts and collectors of historical art.

Dating the Collectible

Unlike many commemorative mugs that provide little information about their production, this example includes both a copyright notice for the featured artwork and a manufacturing date printed on the underside.

The base of the mug is marked © 2007 Mort Künstler, indicating the copyright associated with the licensed artwork reproduced on the mug. It also bears the marking 03/2010, which is widely understood to represent the production date of this particular example. Based on these markings, this mug was manufactured in March 2010 by Henriksen Imports.

Research indicates that Henriksen Imports produced a series of collectible ceramic mugs featuring licensed reproductions of Mort Künstler's Civil War paintings during the late 2000s and early 2010s. While surviving company records documenting the complete production history have not been located, examples from the secondary market confirm that multiple designs were offered as part of this collectible series.

Unlike many vintage collectibles that require estimation based on factory marks or stylistic characteristics, this mug benefits from clearly documented copyright and production markings, allowing its place within the Mort Künstler collectible line to be established with a high degree of confidence.

As additional catalogs, distributor materials, or Henriksen Imports documentation become available, future research may help identify the complete series and provide further insight into production quantities and release history.

Understanding the Artwork

The primary appeal of this collectible mug lies not in the ceramic itself, but in the licensed reproduction of Mort Künstler's artwork. Unlike ordinary souvenir mugs, this piece features a full-wrap panoramic image of Chamberlain's Charge, one of the artist's most recognized Civil War paintings, complete with Künstler's reproduced signature incorporated into the design.

Rather than using generic historical imagery, Henriksen Imports licensed artwork from one of America's most respected historical painters, transforming an everyday coffee mug into a collectible that bridges functional drinkware and fine art. The high-quality color transfer preserves the dramatic composition of the original painting, allowing the artwork to be appreciated from nearly every angle.

Because the decorative image is permanently fired into the glazed ceramic during manufacture, collectors generally recommend:

• Hand washing whenever possible
• Avoiding abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners
• Not using the mug in microwave ovens, as repeated heating may shorten the life of the decorative finish
• Limiting dishwasher use to help preserve the artwork's color and gloss over time

The excellent condition of the artwork, vibrant colors, and clear production markings were among the characteristics that first drew our attention to this collectible.

Collector Interest

Mort Künstler collectibles continue to enjoy strong interest among collectors of Civil War memorabilia, military history, and historical American art. While the artist is best known for his limited-edition prints and published works, licensed collectibles such as this Henriksen Imports "Chamberlain's Charge" mug offer enthusiasts an affordable way to own and display one of his most celebrated paintings.

Collectors often seek:

• Mort Künstler artwork and licensed collectibles
• Civil War memorabilia
• Gettysburg and Little Round Top souvenirs
• Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain collectibles
• Military history décor
• Historical art mugs and drinkware
• Henriksen Imports collectible mugs
• Gifts for veterans, military historians, and history enthusiasts
• Companion pieces from the Mort Künstler Civil War mug series

As interest in American military history and Gettysburg continues, officially licensed Mort Künstler collectibles remain desirable for both display and everyday use. Condition, vibrant artwork, clear manufacturer markings, and inclusion within the Henriksen Imports Civil War series all contribute to collector interest and long-term desirability. While these mugs appear less frequently than mass-produced souvenir drinkware, complete documentation of the series remains limited, making surviving examples especially appealing to collectors seeking historically themed licensed memorabilia.

Research Sources

The following resources were consulted while researching this collectible and the historical artwork it features.

Mort Künstler Official Website

Official artwork information, artist biography, Civil War collection, and historical background for Chamberlain's Charge and related paintings.

American Battlefield Trust

Educational resources covering the Battle of Gettysburg, Little Round Top, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, battlefield maps, and Civil War history.

National Park Service – Gettysburg National Military Park

Historical information regarding the Battle of Gettysburg, Little Round Top, battlefield preservation, and the actions of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry.

Library of Congress

Historical photographs, manuscripts, Civil War maps, military records, and archival resources relating to Gettysburg, Joshua Chamberlain, and the American Civil War.

Smithsonian Institution

Museum collections and historical resources relating to American military history, Civil War artifacts, and historical artwork.

Henriksen Imports Collectible References

Manufacturer markings, production information, and documented examples of officially licensed Mort Künstler collectible mugs from secondary market archives.

Historical Collector References

Collector databases, auction archives, and marketplace records used to compare manufacturer markings, artwork titles, production dates, and series information for Mort Künstler licensed collectibles.

Examples include:

• WorthPoint 
• LiveAuctioneers 
• eBay Sold Listings 

Military Art Prints

Reference information for Mort Künstler's Civil War artwork, print history, and historical descriptions of Chamberlain's Charge.

Additional Historical References

Research was supplemented through published Civil War histories, museum collections, battlefield resources, and historical publications documenting the Battle of Gettysburg, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry, and the significance of Little Round Top.

Our Research Notes

One of the most interesting aspects of this project involved determining whether this mug represented a standalone commemorative item or was part of a broader series of officially licensed Mort Künstler collectibles.

Our initial research identified the mug through its manufacturer's markings and the reproduced title of the artwork, Chamberlain's Charge. As additional sources were examined, we located documented examples of other Henriksen Imports mugs featuring Mort Künstler's Civil War paintings, confirming that this example was produced as part of a larger collectible series rather than as a one-time souvenir release.

Research also confirmed the historical significance of the artwork itself. Mort Künstler's painting depicts Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's famous bayonet charge at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863—an event widely recognized by historians as one of the pivotal moments of the American Civil War. Throughout this Research Brief, we have intentionally distinguished documented historical facts from information derived through collector references and surviving examples of the series.

While the production date of this individual mug is clearly documented by its March 2010 manufacturing mark, relatively little published information has been located regarding Henriksen Imports' complete Mort Künstler mug line, including the total number of designs produced or their original retail distribution. As additional catalogs, promotional materials, or manufacturer documentation become available, this Research Brief will be updated to reflect newly verified information.

Market values referenced by collectors and online marketplaces represent individual sales at specific points in time and should be viewed as historical data rather than fixed values. Actual market value depends on condition, completeness, collector demand, provenance, and the venue in which an item is offered for sale.

Research Confidence

🟢 High

This Research Brief is based upon the manufacturer's markings, official artwork copyright information, documented production markings, the official Mort Künstler website, historical resources from the National Park Service and American Battlefield Trust, institutional archives, collector references, and documented examples of Henriksen Imports' licensed Mort Künstler collectibles. The identification of the artist, artwork title, historical event depicted, manufacturer, and approximate production period is well supported by multiple independent sources.

While relatively little published documentation has been located regarding the complete Henriksen Imports Mort Künstler mug series—including the total number of designs produced, original retail distribution, and production quantities—the identification of this collectible as an officially licensed reproduction of Chamberlain's Charge, manufactured by Henriksen Imports in March 2010, is supported with a high degree of confidence.

About the Mrs. Bones Research Library

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing project dedicated to documenting the history of vintage, antique, and collectible items acquired by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard.

Rather than simply listing an item for sale, we believe each piece deserves its story to be preserved. Whenever possible, our research is based on manufacturer documentation, museum collections, historical publications, collector references, and other reputable sources.

Know something we don't?

The Mrs. Bones Research Library is an ongoing historical project. If you own original catalogs, advertisements, factory literature or additional documentation relating to this pattern, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Explore more historical research and collector guides in the Mrs. Bones Research Library.

Find This Piece at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard

This researched piece is part of the carefully curated collection at Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard. While availability is subject to prior sale, collectors are encouraged to visit our online store to view this item, explore similar treasures, and discover newly added vintage, antique, and collectible finds.

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Because many of our items are one-of-a-kind, this piece may sell before the Research Library article is updated. Even if it has found a new home, we invite you to browse our current collection and continue exploring the Mrs. Bones Research Library for additional historical research and collector resources.

Citation

Please cite this research as:

Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. "Mort Künstler Chamberlain's Charge Collectible Mug." Research Library No. MBRL-2026-0003. Published July 16, 2026. Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard Research Library. Available at:

https://mrsbonescuriocupboard.com/blogs/research-library/mort-kunstler-chamberlains-charge-collectible-mug

Research Date: July 16, 2026

Research Library No.: MBRL-2026-0003

Research Confidence: 🟢 High

Confidence Statement: This research is based upon the manufacturer's markings, official artwork copyright information, documented production markings, the official Mort Künstler website, historical resources from the National Park Service, the American Battlefield Trust, institutional archives, collector references, and documented examples of Henriksen Imports' licensed Mort Künstler collectibles. The identification of the artist, artwork title, historical event depicted, manufacturer, and production date of this collectible is well supported by multiple independent sources. While additional documentation regarding the complete Henriksen Imports Mort Künstler mug series—including original retail distribution, production quantities, and the total number of designs produced—remains limited, the conclusions presented in this Research Brief are supported with a high degree of confidence. As additional verified historical or manufacturer documentation becomes available, this Research Brief will be updated accordingly.