How to Collect Cigar Boxes

Cigar boxes come in many forms and feature unique artwork.

Cigar boxes surfaced in 1865 in the United States in response to laws requiring the taxation of tobacco to aid the Civil War effort. Boxes with a specified number of cigars inside helped to ease the job of tax collectors, but competition among cigar makers eventually led to colorful illustrations on these cigar boxes. Cigar box art now stands as a piece of Americana that appeals to collectors of cigars and cigar paraphernalia. Collectors can find cigar boxes in a variety of locales, both in person and online, to help start or complete their collections.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with online access

Instructions

1. Research the different styles of cigar boxes. There are over 20 different types of cigar boxes, including wooden, tin, cardboard, uprights, glass and novelty types in the shape of log cabins or trucks. Also, decide if you wish to focus on a specific era, art type (sports, nudes, natives, etc.), or brand. This will make it easier to find the pieces you need to start and complete a collection.

2. Visit online auction sites like eBay or other online tobacco collecting sites to search for cigar boxes that fit your interests and styles. Be sure to ask sellers for information and proof of authenticity to ensure you only bid on or purchase authentic cigar boxes. Different cigar brands will have different stamps, markings or finishes on the boxes to identify them as authentic. For examples of spotting authentic Cuban cigar boxes, see Resources below.

3. Visit estate sales, garage sales, collectible conventions and flea markets to find cigar box collections not available online. If possible, talk to the sellers to learn as much about the cigar boxes as you can to make an informed purchase. Local tobacco shops can also be a source for both information, advice and used cigar boxes. Modern cigar boxes can be as collectible as older ones, depending on how you want to define your collection.

4. Inventory your collection as it grows, and, if you wish, include valuable boxes in your homeowner's insurance to make sure they are protected against loss. As your collection grows, the overall value of the inventory will also grow, and rare or unique cigar boxes can be insured against loss to protect your investment.

5. Expand your collection to include other eras, themes and cigar box types as you complete each collection. Display them prominently, as they represent a distinct piece of Americana art. Make sure the display is located in a dry place, away from any water source, as water will ruin cardboard boxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to buy cigar boxes from reputable sources with legitimate appraisals.

References

• Cigar Aficionado: The Art of Cigar Boxes
• EBay: Collecting Cigar Boxes and Cigar Label Art
• Cigar History: Types of Cigar Boxes

Resources

• Cigar Nexus: The Ultimate Counterfeit Cuban Cigar Primer
• Cabo Shops: FAQs