19th Century Wood Cigar Box

Tobacco was instrumental in the development of the New World. When colonial explorers were originally exposed to tobacco, it was with great fervour that they adopted this plant and brought it's likes back to Europe. Originally, snuff was the preferred method of consumption. With no smoke or fire, it was well-suited to the population of 16th century Spain, France and England, and the highly flammable nature of their buildings. However, the most-commonly used method of consumption in South America was through smoking. Be it a pipe or hand-rolled cigars, these were the preferred method of consumption for Native locals. One can picture the image of caricatures featuring a native with a large 'stogie' in his mouth. This quickly gained traction as an enjoyable mode of tobacco consumption. However, just as with snuff, it was essential that these expensive, hand-rolled cigars were kept fresh for as long as possible. In the same vain as snuff boxes, cigar boxes were developed.
They were very simple, at first, with a leather case and flap that would hold the cigars in place. Eventually, the need for an air-tight container became evident and cases began being developed out of horn, paper-mache, shell and wood. Given the availability, it's not surprising that wood became the preferred material for these pieces.
Wood was veneered (sliced extremely thin) and formed into the shape needed using steam and molds. Brass was then added to all the lips and edges for strength and to ensure that repeated opening and closing would not splinter the wood. These wooden cases would usually not survive too long. The wood was rarely treated and the thin nature of the material meant that any bump might crack the case. As such, most wooden cases have long been lost and buried.

This box has beaten the odds and survived over a century of existence. This case was hand-made in the late-19th century and one can still see the hammer marks on the brass edges. One of those brass bands is loose and the bottom band is missing, but the box is complete and seals very well. There is a crack in the wood, on the lid, but it doesn't seem to affect the air-tight seal when opening or closing the case. I wouldn't dream of stating the piece is air-tight, however. Frankly, after over a century and being made of wood veneer, I'd be shocked if it was. There are a multitude of dings and scratches, commensurate with 120+ years of use, but it is amazingly solid. I'm still shocked it's here today...

The box measures 12 cm x 6 cm x 2 cm and would make a wonderful addition to the tobacciana collection.

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