A lot of folks are uncomfortable with the fact, but history leaves no doubt that the United States has a bellicose streak. During our entire existence as a separate nation we’ve not been able to go 50 years without being involved in a war. All wars have affected cigars, some conflicts more than others. While still a British colony, war between Spain and England gave birth to the U.S. cigar industry in the 1760’s when British General Israel Putnam returned home to his farm in Connecticut with Havana tobacco seed and tens of thousands of Cuban cigars.
The Civil War is the second most common War illustration found on boxes, but that’s more historical accident than money-making gleam in an advertiser’s eye. The Civil War impacted the cigar industry because the demand for taxes led to the requirement that cigars must be packed in the consumer-size boxes we love so well, whereas prior to the War 90% of cigars were sold in bulk. Too, the Civil War ended just as the boom in U.S. cigar making was beginning. Although cigars had been made here for just shy of 100 years, the mid-century development of quality cigar tobacco in Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin made cheap domestic cigars universally available. It can’t be ignored that the War was led by a popular future President who smoked cigars incessantly, becoming a role model for the men who fought the War and the generation who grew up in its shadow. Because the War effected nearly every family from New England to Florida to California it was a common referent, but the advertising images of that sad conflict tend to be appropriately more somber than the images that sprang from the newspaper-hyped War against Spain.
Wars occurring before the cigar’s prime time, like the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, all appear on cigar boxes, but were long-ago history for the the Golden Age smoker and the label designers trying to appeal to them, but George Washington, and various other statesmen, patriots and war heroes remained popular images.
Although the American Indian was the symbol of tobacco, the ongoing conflict between the United States and the North American native population is not often the topic of cigar advertising, so those few boxes with depictions of the battles are highly prized by collectors.
The boxes below are some of the War images on cigar boxes in the National Cigar Museum’s collection. They have been selected as a representative sample and depict only wars in which the U.S. was directly involved. Many other wars were portrayed on cigar boxes, including battles from the days of the Romans, the Crusades and the Sino-Japanese War.
If you enjoy this Exhibit, you are encouraged to visit the Museum’s display of related Patriotic images found on cigar boxes.
Wars on Boxes
A National Cigar Museum Exclusive
© Tony Hyman
Heroes of the Revolution were popular on cigar boxes a century and a half after the last shot was fired because history books kept them alive. I haven’t seen this war pictured on boxes of the 1860 to 1880 early years of boxes, probably because the Civil War was on everyone’s minds.
Oddly designed box with a b/w label from the 1890’s
depicting the fantasy version of Revere’s ride.
Unidentified Fact. 404, 3rd Dist. Mass.
[2144]
1880’s style label on a box from 1916. Unidentified Fact. 456, 5th Dist. NC. Lincoln is the only President to appear on more cigar boxes than George Washington. Made by American Tobacco as private house brand for Sears, Roebuck & Co. store.
[2180]
More crudely printed version from mid 1920’s. Cigars by JH.M. Bennett & Son, Fact. 49,
21st Dist, Oneida, New York.
[2183]
Early style label on 1909 box picturing Baron von Steuben, for whom Steuben County, NY, was named. Cigars made by F.M. Kendrick & Co.,
Fact. 5, 21st Dist., Utica, NY.
[1427]
Classic mid-Golden Age box with 4x4 end label,
nail tag, and CMIU blue label.
[1426]
Revolutionary War General on late 1920’s box, in style typical for the period. Cigars made by John Herman & Co., Harrisburg, PA, Fact. 134.
The Napoleon front mark is a complement.
[1428]
Another Revolutionary War hero, this made in Manhattan by the Benito Rovira Co. in 1921.
Compare the machine-age style of KNOX and LAFAYETTE labels with the Golden-Age style of COMMODORE and EL LIBRADOR.
[5455]
This beautiful label depicting Perry was used by Jacoby & Bookman, a 300 roller factory No. 366 on 38th St. in 3rd Dist. Manhattan in the 1880’s.
[1425]
Perry was interpreted 20 years later on this box by printed by American Litho for American Tobacco.
Facto. 235, 3rd Dist, Westfield, Mass.
[1431]
You could collect signers of the Declaration of Independence such as Militia Captain Clark, as a goodly number of whom have been on boxes.
Unknown cigar maker in Fact. 58, 1st PA, for
J.M. Doran & Co., Akron, Ohio, in 1938.
[5448]
Long time popular brand honors the Revolutionary diplomat and inventor in a colorful box used by
Hull, Grummond & Co., Fact. 227, 21st Dist., Binghamton, NY. 1921. This box is both
attractive and available.
[5452]
American Tobacco Co. made this patriotic depiction of Washington in Fact. 117, SC, in 1939. The same design was used on CONTINENTAL CUBES
cans of pipe tobacco.
[9539]
American Tobacco Co. made this smaller version of the brand in their Philadelphia factory No. 1896
around 1905. Made for Chicago retailer
Steele-Wedeles Company.
[2604]
American Tobacco Co. made this box of 100 depicting the Lexington Minuteman in Factory 500 located in NYC’s 3rd Dist on East 52nd St.
Back tag notes that bands “are good for valuable presents,” part of the Trust’s giveaway program.
[1424]
This lovely mid-1890’s accolade to the soldiers who fought for independence was used by S. Levy & Co., Fact. 401, 3rd NYC located on East 99th St.
The label is in the style of the 1880’s but ©1894.
[1430]
Snelling was a veteran of the War of 1812 who went on to have a long career establishing military forts on the edges of America and dealing with Indians. The 1920’s owner of Fact. 1096, 1st PA is unknown.
[1429]
The efforts to collect taxes to fight this War was responsible for the requirement that all cigars
be packed in boxes.
Fabulous box with U.S. soldiers wearing distinctive uniform of the crack French-African troops. Brand was made in Cuba prior to Civil War; whether this is Cuban or U.S. is uncertain as it’s earlier than 1868 laws needed to identify maker. Some Spanglish suggests possible US origin. [1404]
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, cigar maker H. Derksen took advantage of local patriotism, naming his cigars after the local National Guard unit. Whether the uniforms are correct or it is a stock label is unknown.
Fact. 34, 3rd Dist. WI, 1879.
[1411]
Very early 1870’s style label with unadorned central square features Civil War vet smoking. Cigars made in Lichtenstein Bros, 1000 roller NYC factory No. 50.
A curator’s favorite.
[1409]
Returning Civil War vet stopping for a cigar, being lit by a pretty woman. Brand name is a play on words: MATCHLESS, referring to his contribution and lack of a light. Dark oscuro cigars by Houseal & Glattacker of Maytown, PA, Fact. 1078, 9th Dist. 1870’s style.
A curator’s favorite. [1407]
Civil War ironclad sunk not long before. Box has two rare Lincoln death stamps. ID not required in 1865.
A “top 10” box, one of most desirable known, rare and distinctive in many ways.
[9152]
This 1894-96 version of the brand was made by
Arthur L. Cook in Bluffton, Indiana.
Fact. 311, 6th Dist.
[1421]
Beautifully detailed portrayal of the battle of Harper’s Ferry. Unusual frontmark (“pushing up daisies”)?
Was this a series of labels with other battles?
Federal Cigar Co. in Lancaster Fact. 4, 9th Dist.,
made the cigars circa 1905.
A curator’s favorite. [1419]
The concept of a company making only one brand was so unusual they printed that distinction right on the front of the box. Colorful label from the 1890’s depicts Civil War General James Abert.
Unknown maker. Fact, 1009, 3rd Dist. NYC.
[1422]
Odd inner with early gold printing calls for peace on this 1872 box. Yaras are a distinctively strong cigar made from tobacco grown in Eastern Cuba. Cigars by James Daley, Fact. 1, 2nd Dist PA.
[1414]
End label of previous. Boxes calling for peace in any era are rare. Shows the North and South, one with a pipe one smoking cigars. A box of cigars and pack of tobacco is on the table. “That’s my Trade Mark.”
Outstanding example of how not to repair a box. [1415]
Aboard ships since age 12, Porter came out of retirement to command a gunboat patrolling the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers. An armaments specialist, Porter improved incendiary shells. Cigars by J.A. Mayer & Bros, York, Fact. 445, 9th PA.
[1448]
Woman waves US flag at enemy troops marching with unidentifiable flag. Patriotic choice of inks on this two color mid 1880’s box. Cigars made for H.M. Mason on Milk St. in Boston, by unidentified PA Fact. 1005, in 1st District.
[1418]
Honors the Grand Army of the Republic, Civil War veteran’s group which held frequent get-togethers.
This depicts 1861 battle and 1884 encampment.
A curator’s favorite made by H. Frankenstine, a “Detrot” [sic] cigarmaker operating factory 504.
[9174]
John Logan, former VP candidate under Blaine, headed the G.A.R. and was featured on this 1902 box used by Schrier Bros., Athens, PA.
Fact. 124, 12th PA.
[1420]
The cigar industry’s great expansion was between the Civil War and World War One, a time when Native Americans were gradually being forced from their lands. Indians became the symbol for tobacco and were frequently seen on cigar labels, but rarely depicted fighting back.
This box first appeared in stores within months of Custer’s demise. Brand was trade marked by Holzmann & Deutschbverger, a 250 roller factory in Manhattan. Fact. 976, 3rd Dist NYC.
A curator’s favorite. [1432]
Indians were seldom depicted fiercely, here carrying off a woman after the Yellow Medicine of setting the cabin on fire. The war for the plains was still ongoing when this early 1880’s box appeared. Cigars by Frank Burg, Factory 14, New Ulm, Minnesota.
A curator’s favorite. [1486]
Samuel Davis & Sons was one of Canada’s largest longest lived cigar makers. Their brands, tho sold in Canada, frequently has US themes. Captain Jack, Scarfaced Charley, Boston Charley, Bogus Charley, Schonchin and ShackNasty Jim are depicted in this California battle. A curator’s favorite. [11633]
The inner label of this Samuel Davis, Montreal, brand was trimmed to fit a 50/10 box. Cigars made in Fact. 6, IRD 17, Montreal in 1880’s. This company was responsible for many great boxes!
A curator’s favorite. [1434]
The Frontier of America is shown consisting of a demented looking army of Uncle Sams (how often do you see more than one at a time?) mowing down Indians. The end label is trimmed differently,
giving another view of the battle.
A curator’s favorite. [1435]
Major Marcus A. Reno, one of Custer’s senior officers, escaped the carnage at the Little Big Horn and saved most of the troopers under his command from the Sioux. Cigars made in Raffl’s Cigar Factory No. 67, 8th District (Red Bud), Illinois. 1937.
[1438]
Classic typical look of a Machine Age cigar box (1920’s and 1930’s). Cigars made by Mrs. Albert L. Raffl, Red Bud, Illinois, in Factory 67, 8th Dist.
[1437]
The most popular war in our history was lauded endlessly on cigar boxes, in no small measure because the U.S. took over Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, all cigar and tobacco producers.
Dramatic image of an S-A War soldier exemplifies the patriotic fervor sweeping the country. Cigars by Julia Fix, operator of Fact. 537, 9th PA, Dallastown.
[2153]
Nifty basket-weave design is stamped into the wood of this attractive NWH 100/13 honoring the war time President McKinley. Cigars by unrecorded owner of Factory 1202 in Western (28th District), NY. 1899.
[2690]
Very displayable typical 1920’s box featuring “The Real American,” popular leader of the charge up San Jan Hill, and McKinley’s VP and successor.
Cigars by the Great Lakes Cigar Mfg. Co., Detroit, Factory 200, 1st tax Dist. of Michgan. early 1920’s.
[5445]
Commander of the 7th Army Corp. who took no part in actual operations despite the title of Defender accorded him on this label. “Fitz” Lee was military governor of Havana and Pinar del Rio in 1899, Cigars by Andrew Helwig, Fact. 1129, Silver Run,
Maryland circa 1903. [1447]
Dewey and Sampson (later discredited), leaders of the Navy in the War, flanking Uncle Sam. Front mark Victorias a clever take-off on Victorious.
Cigars by G.B, Sprague Cigar Co, Fact. 105, Columbus (11th Dist), Ohio, 1899.
[1443]
Colorful 1904 label seems to have the General day dreaming about women while his men are getting slaughtered. Not, in my opinion, the best design.
Fact. 374, 21st Dist, NY is Charles Buck in Utica.
[1450]
Another example of the colorful patriotic labels so typical of the Spanish-American War era, this depicting Miles & Schafter of the Army and Dewey & Schley of the Navy. Cigars by P.N. Jacobsen of Davenport, Iowa Fact. 203, 4th Dist, especially for
Thomas Wulf, Durant, Iowa, 1905. [1445]
Admiral Schley was the actual hero of battle of Santiago for which Sampson took credit
and was later discredited.
Cigars by D. McG. Newcomer, Fact. 668,
9th Dist. (Hanover), PA, circa 1904.
[1444]
It’s surprising that vanity labels featuring military units are so rare. This great 1899 portrait is of the 1st South Dakota Volunteers. Cigars were made
in Factory 190 in Nebraska.
[8167]
The excuse for the War was blaming the Spanish for the explosion of the Maine in Havana harbor. It was later discovered to be a design flaw, putting the boiler too close to armaments storage.
Cigars by F.D. Baker, Fact. 138, 4th Dist.
(Hastings) Michigan. [1449]
The Great White Fleet that sailed around the world in a show of US naval power makes it onto an early 20th century label used by Lindsay & Zimmer of Zanesville, OH. Fact. 128, 11th Dist. Ohio.
[2132]
The USS Minneapolis appeared on a box made during the War, in 1898. Used by an unidentified cigar maker is factory 688, 1st Dist. PA.
[1441]
The theme is clear, as Uncle Sam tosses the Spanish out of Cuba. Unidentified Wisconsin
maker, circa 1900.
[2120]
Bulbous Uncle Sam, the result of adding Havana, Puerto Rico, Manilla & Santiago. Great play on words describes a new country and a new cigar offered by Boener Bros, Fact. 202 in Lawrence, KS.
The brand lasted longer than anticipated,
more than ten years. [2119]
London PUNCH magazine cartoon of U.S. soldier holding a large box of Philippine cigars, questioning the U.S. intentions for the acquisition. Caption:
“COUSIN JONATHAN: These look very nice.
Wonder if they’ll be the better for keeping.”
[8710]
Lovely box depicting Gomez and Garcia, two revolutionaries, along side the new Cuban flag.
Very rare 13/13 size box used, probably as a salesman’s sample, by G.B. Sprague Cigar Co., Fact. 105, Columbus (11th Dist.), Ohio, 1898.
[1451]
My idea of great design. Terrific integration of the new flag by Jesse Frysinger of Hanover, PA, Factory 408, 9th Dist. PA, 1898. Proof, once again, that it doesn’t take a lot of gilded embossing to create an eye catching label.
A curator’s favorite. [1453]
Example of the extremes some labels went.
This has never been found on a box.
Not in the NCM collection.
[w0000]
When a foreign leader or celebrity appears on a US cigar box, it’s usually one marketed in an ethnic neighborhood, perhaps the case here. Cigars made by George Holzmeister, Fact. 229, Salina, KS, 1899.
[5442]
Simple but distinctive box honoring the troops. Our Sammies are Favoritas. World War theme still used in 1935. Cigars by Fred Kolbe, Factory 997 in
Lester Prairie, Minn.
[9108]
Small cardboard, formerly paper hinged box from the mid 1920’s. The NCM owns the printer’s progressive for this label. Cigars by unlisted maker
in Factory 891, 3rd Dist. NYC.
A Curator’s favorite. [1462]
Waterloo, Indiana, farm boy drawn in Fontaine Fox’s Toonerville Trolley style goes off to Europe. “How ya gonna keep em down on the farm after they’ve seen Paree?” became a prophetic pop song. Cigars by
Waterloo Cigar Co. Fact 77, 6th Dist, 1917.
A Curator’s favorite. [1460]
Attractive 1916 box depicting the Navy’s heritage.
Cigars by Louis Andrlik at the corner of Throop and 18th Place in Chicago. Fact. 1667, 1st Illinois.
[1440]
In 1917 the Navy broke precedent enlisting women as clerks, radio electricians, chemists, accountants, phone operators and nurses. Cigars by Martin Neff & Sons on Broad St. in Red Lion, PA.
Fact. 313, 1st District, 1933.
A Curator’s favorite. [9107]
Junction City, Kansas, cigar maker advertises cigars by mail at $1 box postpaid, noting that they also sell at the Post Exchange (on-base military store).
Comic poem on the back is the Kaiser’s prayer for
help against Edison’s anti-submarine technology.
[1464]
“You know I got dem submarines, All Europe knows dot well; But dot Edison gat a patent now Vot blows dem all to hell. Now, Gott, if you will do dis, Den you I will always love; Und I will be Emperor of de earth, Und you be Emperor above.” If God refuses, he threatens to attack heaven with Zeppelins. [1465]
The Belgian Soldiers’ Tobacco Fund was run by London’s Over-Seas Club. They encouraged citizen donations of cigars and cigarettes for the boys in the trenches and included one of these post cards in each bundle, so the recipient could send a thanks.
[1466]
Mrs. Marguerite Wheeler of Brooklyn, NY, received this thank you written in French. September 1917.
[1468]
1920 box made in Fact. 528 2nd Dist. Wisconsin portrays the WWI leaders of America, France, England, Italy, Greece and Belgium.
[1457]
Another Allies theme with eight flags and five portraits on an unused label.
[1458]
Another unused label with an allies theme, now reduced to four.
[1459]
In this very different depiction the allies are a sailor, a soldier, and Uncle Sam labeled “You can’t Beat ‘em.” Simple drawing on a newsprint-like paper does include the flags of four other nations.
Cigars from unidentified Fact. 1109, 1st PA in 1922.
[11049]
Slip top tin can used by William Ward & Sons, London, Ontario, Canada in the 1920’s. Portrait of Haig who had a long distinguished military career, but was best known for losing large numbers of troops in very costly WWI battles.
Fact. 11, Port 24E. [1455]
The War in Europe had waged for years before the U.S. got involved after long and divided debate. This plea for peace on a 1915 box with a white dove and the slogan “Peace and Purity” fits th