I love old cigar boxes, especially the wood or tin variety. They bring back memories for many people who had a dad or grandpa that kept odds and ends in an old cigar box in the basement or garage. Sometimes I come across a box with a name written on it, indicating the box was once used by a little boy who kept his marbles, ball of string, and other important treasures inside.
Even though this El Dallo box is obviously past its prime, it still has a certain appeal:
This grouping of boxes are all tin:
You can see the influence of the Art Deco era with the fanciful designs on the side of the Cinco tin box:
Faux wood grain was a popular design element on the exterior of cigar boxes, like the examples below:
I like cigar boxes because the outside offers one view:
And the inside offers another:
Who would suspect this El Producto box would have such a surprise inside?
....a bright and beautiful illustration of a woman and a peacock!
Several years ago, I went to an auction that had a massive collection of cigar boxes. Only one other bidder was interested in them. We basically divided them up between the two of us, and I was able to offer my customers cigar boxes for $3 each. They sold quickly, and ever since then I've been scrambling to find more at reasonable prices. Maybe someday I'll hit the jackpot again....
Mitzi
