The moustache cup (or mustache cup) is a drinking cup with a semicircular ledge inside

The ledge has a half moon-shaped opening to allow the passage of liquids & serves as a guard to keep moustaches dry

It is generally acknowledged to have been invented in the 1860s by British potter Harvey Adams (born 1835)

I purchased this cup at Ruahine Antique Arms last year

HAS a Museum or collector's number painted to the base of both

I have copied the auctioneer's description from their catalogue

I do NOT KNOW if the former owner was a Kiwi ? or an Irishman ?

1 name came-up on the Auckland War Memorial Museum database with the spelling of Plunket, she was a nurse, the other "Plunkett" were enlisted ranks

I do not know how accurate the spelling in the catalogue may be & have not actually asked the auctioneer for any further information

However I probably SHOULD HAVE as there is a possibility that the man was IRISH

IF this is correct & he IS the man I found on the WWW ?

Then this man was a TRULY EXCEPTIONAL SOLDIER perhaps worthy of someone's time to research any connection to this cup

The RIR do appear to have served at Gallipoli

IF this was the owner ? he was then RSM of The RIR at time of Gallipoli campaign, but rose to the rank of Acting Colonel

A Sergeant Major at the time, James Frederick Plunkett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

The citation read: "For conspicuous good work & repeatedly distinguishing himself under fire"

Apparently he had a good war & ended up a high ranking officer (Lt Col or Brigadier). Richard Holmes, in Tommy, mentions him & uses adjective “legendary”

Plunkett was indeed an outstanding soldier commissioned 2Lt R Irish Fusiliers on 23/5/15 Lt RIR 22/11/15 Capt R Dublin Fus 23/12/17

Already the holder of the DCM & MC he won no less than three DSOs in 1918, together with the Croix de Guerre.

He was twice recommended for the VC

CONSIDERABLE PRAISE of this officer

Pages # 185 & 186 HERE = https://tinyurl.com/J-F-Plunkett