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Cigars

Cigars have their origin in Central or South America. Mayan art dating to the 10th century shows a Mayan smoking tobacco leaves bound with string. The Mayan term for smoking, "sikar", may have evolved into the Spanish word "cigarro", from which the word cigar is derived. Cuba became the primary source for cigars in the 17th century, as its climate is ideal for growing all three types of tobacco leaves used in making cigars. While other parts of the world make cigars, Cuban cigars are still considered the best in the cigar industry.

Collecting items related to cigars falls in the category of Tobacciana for collectors. Cigar bands, boxes, labels, cigar cutters, and cigar advertising are all popular collectibles. Pre-Castro Cuban cigar items are especially popular with collectors as they are more difficult to find. Ashtrays, match boxes, lighters, and other smoking paraphernalia may also appeal to collectors of cigar related items.

One famous type of cigar advertising is the cigar store Indian. Used to identify cigar stores in the Victorian era, these statues were carved from wood and were often colorful and elaborate. Other figures were also used to advertise cigars, including Scotsman, gentlemen, Christopher Columbus, and Sir Walter Raleigh.


Quick Facts

  • Cigar labels and bands appeal to collectors because of their colorful lithographs and interesting designs. The first reference guide on cigar label art was published in 1949 by A.D. Faber
  • One of the largest collections of cigar boxes in the world is owned by Rupert Knowles, who also edits the "Price Guide of Cigar Label Art"
  • In 1988, a 5 foot tall cigar store Indian chief carved by Detroit carver Julius Melchers sold at auction for $44,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Drew Estate 'Undercrown Shade' Nicaraguan Gordito Cigars - box of 12 cigars
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Drew Estate 'Undercrown Shade' Nicaraguan Gordito Cigars - box of 12 cigars
by Lawsons
Est: AUD600- AUD800
AUD32516 Bids
Hoyo de Monterrey 'Destinos' Cuban Cigars – travel humidor box of 20 cigars, dated June 2024
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Hoyo de Monterrey 'Destinos' Cuban Cigars – travel humidor box of 20 cigars, dated June 2024
by Lawsons
Est: AUD3,500- AUD4,500
AUD1,10014 Bids
Davidoff 'Winston Churchill - The Late Hour' Dominican Churchill Cigars - box of 20 cigars
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Davidoff 'Winston Churchill - The Late Hour' Dominican Churchill Cigars - box of 20 cigars
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,200- AUD1,500
AUD18013 Bids
Trinidad 'Fundadores' Cuban Cigars - 5 packs of 5 cigars (25 units), dated 2004
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Trinidad 'Fundadores' Cuban Cigars - 5 packs of 5 cigars (25 units), dated 2004
by Lawsons
Est: AUD5,500- AUD6,500
AUD1,10013 Bids
Antique Black And White Standard Cigar Of America Showcase
Aug 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Antique Black And White Standard Cigar Of America Showcase
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$17012 Bids
Cohiba '88 Short' Cuban Cigars - 88 cigars in 2024 limited edition Year of the Dragon humidor
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Cohiba '88 Short' Cuban Cigars - 88 cigars in 2024 limited edition Year of the Dragon humidor
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,200- AUD1,500
AUD55010 Bids
Hoyo de Monterrey 'Double Coronas' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated May 2004
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Hoyo de Monterrey 'Double Coronas' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated May 2004
by Lawsons
Est: AUD2,000- AUD3,000
AUD26010 Bids
Oliva 'Serie O - Robusto Maduro' Nicaraguan Cigars- timber box 20 cigars
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Oliva 'Serie O - Robusto Maduro' Nicaraguan Cigars- timber box 20 cigars
by Lawsons
Est: AUD800- AUD1,000
AUD1607 Bids
Cohiba 'Exquisitos' Cuban Cigars – pack of 5 Cigars, dated 2020
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Cohiba 'Exquisitos' Cuban Cigars – pack of 5 Cigars, dated 2020
by Lawsons
Est: AUD350- AUD450
AUD2207 Bids
Cohiba 'Siglo II' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated January 2006
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Cohiba 'Siglo II' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated January 2006
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,500- AUD2,500
AUD606 Bids
Vintage Lucky Strike Chesterfield Unopened Cigarette Pack Collection
Jul 31, 10:00 AM EDT
Vintage Lucky Strike Chesterfield Unopened Cigarette Pack Collection
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$1005 Bids
Montecristo 'Open Junior' Cuban Cigars – box of 20 cigars, dated 2010
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Montecristo 'Open Junior' Cuban Cigars – box of 20 cigars, dated 2010
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD500
AUD405 Bids
La Gloria Cubana 'Medaille d’Or No.4' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated 2000
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
La Gloria Cubana 'Medaille d’Or No.4' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated 2000
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,800- AUD2,400
AUD355 Bids
Cuaba 'Salomon' Cuban Cigars - box of 10 cigars, dated August 2020
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Cuaba 'Salomon' Cuban Cigars - box of 10 cigars, dated August 2020
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,200- AUD1,500
AUD455 Bids
Davidoff 'Millennium Piramides' Dominican Cigars - box of 10 cigars
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Davidoff 'Millennium Piramides' Dominican Cigars - box of 10 cigars
by Lawsons
Est: AUD600- AUD700
AUD2004 Bids
Montecristo 'Churchills Anejados' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated May 2008
Jul 17, 4:00 PM AEST
Montecristo 'Churchills Anejados' Cuban Cigars - box of 25 cigars, dated May 2008
by Lawsons
Est: AUD3,000- AUD4,000
AUD4254 Bids
Company Otto Holzapfel, Cigar dryer for 20 cigars
Jul 10, 3:00 PM CEST
Company Otto Holzapfel, Cigar dryer for 20 cigars
by Tiberius Auctions
Est: €100- €200
€600 Bids
Antique Big Load Cut Plug Smoking Tobacco Unopened Pouch
Aug 01, 10:00 AM EDT
Antique Big Load Cut Plug Smoking Tobacco Unopened Pouch
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Cigars


Lawsons

Lawsons

Mebane Antique Auction

Mebane Antique Auction

Collective Hudson, LLC

Collective Hudson, LLC

James Auctioneers London

James Auctioneers London