Japan pattern coffee cup (this straight-sided shape is also known as a coffee can), similar to a breakfast service that belonged to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). The cup is painted in colours and gilt. The outside is decorated with panels of flowers, the pattern continuing into the reserves. The handle is gold with a circular finger loop unlike those of the Nelson breakfast service coffee cans. The pattern number '240' is painted in gold on the base.

At the beginning of the 18th century, English people consumed about ten times more coffee than they did tea. Although coffee was more often drunk in coffee-houses, the equipment needed to prepare the drink in the home did become more commonplace, especially among the rich.