Cigar Boxes

The cigar box is a storage and preservation object that emerged during the 19th th century, in response to the rise of cigar consumption across Europe and America. Designed to protect cigars from desiccation and fluctuations in humidity, it differs from the humidor in its generally more compact form and its predominantly decorative rather than functional purpose. The principal periods of production span from 1840 to 1930, with centres of excellence in England, France, Germany and Austria-Hungary. Houses such as Asprey in London, Cartier in Paris and the Viennese silversmiths produced pieces in sterling silver of remarkable sophistication, while the English industry excelled in cedar wood cases covered in leather.

The materials employed reflect the social standing of their owner: precious woods (ebony, rosewood, walnut), hallmarked silver, gilt brass, tortoiseshell, morocco leather or combinations of several materials. Geometric marquetry, mother-of-pearl inlays and hand-engraved decoration are hallmarks of the finest productions of the second half of the 19th th century.

For a collector, several elements warrant particular attention: the presence and legibility of hallmarks (notably the assay mark for silver), the condition of the hinges and closing mechanism, the quality of the interior — often lined with cedar or velvet — as well as any maker's signatures or cartouches. A box retaining its original lining and complete hallmarks commands a significantly higher value than a restored or incomplete example.