Professor Ludwig Von Drake is a cartoon character created in 1961 by The Walt Disney Company. He is an uncle of Donald Duck who was first introduced as the presenter for the first episode of the Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color on NBC.

He is described as a scientist, lecturer, psychologist, and world traveler. The character offered his ‘expert’ knowledge on a variety of subjects whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. Did we mention that he is a genius? Well, make no mistake: He is!

Paul Frees was the original voice of Ludwig Von Drake. After Frees retired from the role, the character was briefly voiced by Walker Edmiston and since 1987, he has been voiced by Corey Burton.

And if you’re this famous, even if it is only in your own mind, you get a mug:

This vintage Ludwig Von Drake ceramic mug is a gem! He looks so cute in his top hat and spectacles. And of course he has to have his name emblazoned across the base so no-one mistakes him for Scrooge McDuck. I’m not sure who would be more insulted!

Most vintage Disney merchandise fails to print a production date on the piece, so it can make it hard to place a collectible in time. But this example clearly has the date listed as 1961 and the place of manufacture as Japan.

Here you can see the braided handle and most obviously the cracking of the glaze. This is quite common for ceramic items of this period, and I feel it just adds to the character and desirability of the mug.

I was planning a 21-gun Salute for the Duck of the Hour to end the post, but then I thought that the shock waves might break the mug! Sorry, Ludwig, you’ll have to settle for a single raspberry and a cup of tea.