Beautiful and very rare group of 5 (for now!) espresso shot cups (or demitasses) and saucers made in Czechoslovakia, today Czech Republic (a country renowned for its excellent craftsmanship with glass and porcelain), in 1938 or 1939.

It was commercialized by the Swedish ALP company (founded in 1911 and closed in 1943—ALP stands for "AB Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik"). That company had branches in various countries in Europe, including Czechoslovakia. This Czechoslovakian branch was active only for a very short period, though, in 1938 and in 1939 until August, after the annexation of Czechoslovakia and Austria by Nazi Germany in March of the same year...

So definitely a rare item, and with strong symbolic and historical significance.

The porcelain is so thin and light it is thinner than regular fine bone china, and definitely deserves to be called eggshell china, though that term tends to be reserved for a specific type of china made in … China!

Color is a rich yellow with hints of brown / reddish brown nuances or patina effect here and there, like the subtle color gradations one sees on burnished leather or on monochrome frescoed walls in Italy.

Design is remarkable, very sleek and modernist, with particular attention on the handle: from its overall almond shape, reminiscent of cat-eye glasses, to this whimsical zigzag line that suggests a lightning or the electric power symbol, it simply screams mid-century!

You can buy just 1 cup, or 2, or 4 or the 5 remaining ones if you want—and naturally depending on the availability at that time.

Cup Diameter: 2” 3 1/16
Capacity: 2.5 fluid ounces or 75ml.
I don’t think it is dishwasher or microwave safe.

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