This is a sample piece from Royal Haeger; The gentleman I bought it from is a Royal Haeger collector and lives down the road from the factory... when they closed, he bought tons of samples and test pieces.
This mug has two small green patch-like marks on the back where there was once a handle. They must've used this to pitch the design to Don the Beachcomber, and they asked the handle be removed, and they came back with this.
The fact that Donn himself (theoretically?) or someone in top brass at the original DtB may have handled this very mug makes it so much cooler - possibly the only one in existence?
Unfortunately he couldn't find the handle at the factory. My guess is that was chucked 70 years ago!
Distinguishing Characteristics
Two small marks on the back of the mug, where a HANDLE once was
Tiki Mug Design
Don the Beachcomber Rum Barrel Brown and White by Royal Haeger
in 11 collections
This rum barrel from Don the Beachcomber has a white glaze, rubbed away in spots to let the brown underneath show through. "Rum", "Don the Beachcomber" and "Barrel" are in recessed letters on the front. Marked "Royal Haeger" on bottom. Likely produced from 1950s to 1960s.