TGP 287 Aluminum Cups

Welcome to The Gadget Professor Show #287 hosted by Don Baine. These aluminum cups were popular in the 1940s and ’50s in the same settings where today plastic is the number one material of choice: barbecues, parties and picnics.The two main manufacturers of aluminum tumblers were Sunburst and the Italian company Bascal. The cups came in bright colors – purple, pink, red, blue, silver and a variety of other hues. The aluminum was anodized – a process that protects aluminum from oxidation, increases wear resistance, and promotes color retention. Still, these cups are not recommended for dishwashers, as their colors will fade faster than with hand washing.With their humble size, these cups are a bit out-dated for today’s soda lovers. They hold a mere 11 oz of liquid. The current 7-11 Super Gulp measures a mammoth 64 fluid oz. You can still find the originals in antique stores, flee markets, and on Ebay. I still have a big sweet spot for these delightful cups in my childhood memories – a constant source of joy!