The use of metal for cigar boxes and cans was legalized in 1870. So far, I’ve only found tin boxes from the 1800’s, no tin cans or novelties. Tin cans become popular in the early 20th century, not long after companies began experi-mentation with aluminum cigar boxes and cans. Complex sturdy metal boxes are thought of as creatures of the depression era; all those that can be positively dated were patented in the mid to late 1920’s and used in the 1930’s.
Metal Boxes
A National Cigar Museum Exhibit
© Tony Hyman
The most common form of non-tin metal box that collectors find today. These come in many colors, pictures, and factories. These are usually boxes of 100 and seldom have brand names.
[3424]
SERRANO CIGARROS, one of the few examples of this style box with a brand name. The gringo creator of the brand misuses the word cigarros as if it meant cigars rather than cigarettes. The brown is attractive and rare. Fact. 5 Florida.
The similar chrome pillow version is attractive and like the other 30’s metal novelties has a mirror on the inside lid so it can be used on a woman’s dressing table or as a jewelry box.
[3425]
The imitation alligator and the 50/10 configuration are both unusual in the world of metal boxes. Standard mirror inside.
[3423]
Lovely brass with polished inside. These were a stock item offered by Grammes box company. Not all you find are cigar boxes. Look for the ID and CN.
[3422]
Late 1940’s brass upright used by Congress Cigar Company for its leading LA PALINA brand. Common. Note the tarnish, the problem of my being located just a few yards from the Pacific ocean.
[2888]
Aluminum business card from a KY cigar maker
with a slightly risque poem about
Adam, Eve and falling leaves.
[2691]
Tiny local cigar makers usually made dime cigars, buying their cheaper lines from wholesalers.
[2692]
S. Davis & Sons, one of Canada’s more important cigar manufacturers, packed in this distinctive
picture frame aluminum 50/13. When?
[2516]
MANIKIN brand cigars were packed in a unique Craftsman style hammered aluminum box of 100. Box maker is N.C.J. Stratford on Avon suggesting
the cigars too were British.
[2520]
Small aluminum flat 10 for RECRUIT cigars,
probably a give-away of some sort rather
than a retail package, tho the latter is
possible as it may have been packed
in a larger box. Ad for it anyone? [2522]
The give-away theory gets support from the inscribed name on the back of the box.
Harry E. Blausser, I found your box.
[2523]
Two small aluminum boxes, probably pre WWI.
On top is a 10/5 while below is a 12/6. The multi-color printing on aluminum is unusual, especially the attempt at a label-type illustration.
[2521]
Hanging signs were also made of aluminum
in the early 20th century.
[2519]
Packaging innovator F.R. Rice, a St. Louis maker and distributor adds another creative box to his
interesting portfolio. This 25/13 has all sorts
of fine decorative work.
[2518]
Patented and manufactured by the New Jersey Aluminum Company in Newark, NJ.
[2517]
SPENCERIAN cigars by George C. Spencer,
Fact. 64, St. Louis, Missouri about 1910
[11652]
Slip top can of 25, with nicely embossed
lid and riveted name panel. c1910
[11653]
This 1929 bottle was used by packaging innovator F.E. Fonseca for his own brand and a commemor-ative for the inaugural run of the Blue Comet railroad train. The same bottle was used for cigars by Canada’s Simon & Sons and others. [9892]
This modern Dutch company preferred a milk pail.
[2515]
Cuban 5-pack from the 1950’s.
[6842]
Interior of the previous Cuban 1950’s 5-pack.
[6841]
Cuban 5-pack from the 1950’s.
[6829]
Inside and out of a clever 1950’s 5-pack. Note the hole in the lid which closes over the illustration of the two lovers. The illustration is a push button
which opens the pack.
[6784]
Silverplated COUNTRY CLUB cigar bottle used by
L. Kahner & Co., Factory 65, 3rd Dist. NYC, c1890.
Most similar plated bottles are NOT cigar boxes,
but rather after-market humidors.
[2843]
Surprisingly rare “pewter” mug box used by House of Windsor for its 1980 winter Olympics special. Sold through the mail before the event. I was at Lake Placid and didn’t see them for sale there.
Cigars elevated for the picture. [9806]
