Cigar bags from Amsterdam

Original title: Het Amsterdamse sigarenzakje

By Don Duco

Abstract: This article describes the history of the cigar bag from the earliest times in about 1840 till the moment of its disappearance. The history is told using preserved bags that have a relation with the town of Amsterdam and are described thematically. In the large variation of themes the subject related tobacco and its various wrappers dominate. Till about 1880 there is no standardization in the cigar bag, thereafter a sort of unique style is developed that is kept in use till the end of World War I. After 1920 the variation becomes larger, however the styles differ more and more, while the designs are less elaborate. The cigar bag disappears in the 1960 and 1970 when the sale of loose cigars stops.

Sorry, we do not have an English text of this article available. See for the full text the Dutch version of our website.

© Don Duco, Pijpenkabinet Foundation, Amsterdam - Holland, 2004.

Illustrations

1. Cigar bag with cover, front town hall of Amsterdam, back name and address, cover with decorations regarding recent developments. Amsterdam, Huidenstraat, J. Ameshoff, 1840-1860.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.886

2. Cigar bag with cigar case shape, blind print of lacework motives with in the centre against a green background Ariadne and Albrecht Dürer. The Netherlands ?, 1840-1860.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.745

3. Cigar bag printed on both sides with different scenes framed in elaborate ornamental motives, as address “De Wilde Man Sigarenfabriek” and D.R. van Eldik, voorheen (before) J.G. Eskens, Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, 1850-1865.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.776

4. Cigar bag with text in a geometrical framing “De Zaanstroom” and G.W. Zahn, Damrak, Amsterdam, 1855-1875.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.901

5. Cigar bag with a smoker in a room with below J.F. Erftemeijer, Kalverstraat. Reverse triangular shape with portraits of smokers, Amsterdam, 1860-1880.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.868

6. Cigar bag with tobacco plant, on the top “De Tabaksplant”, below H.D. Visser, hoek (corner of) Noordermarkt and Boomstraat 33, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.559

7. Cigar bag with flourishing tobacco plant, above in arch “De Tabaksplant” palm trees on the sides, without owners' name, Oude Hoogstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.577

8. Cigar bag with still life of tobacco wrappers, in arch “Magazijn De Toekomst”, below C.C.A. Reael & Zoon, P.C. Hooftstraat 133, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “Lith. H.C.F. Cladder Amst.“.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.933

9. Cigar bag with tobacco plant surrounded by tobacco wrappers in arched frame with heavy corners, on the plinth “De Tabaksplant”, B.J. Emmering, Waterlooplein 89, Amsterdam, 1885-1900. Printer's signature unclear.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.567

10. Cigar bag with tobacco wrappers, a steam boat and a train in the far distance, above the mark “Het Wapen van Londen”, A.E. Perrin, Singel hoek (corner of) Heisteeg, Amsterdam, 1875-1885.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.992

11. Cigar bag with tobacco wrappers, above the mark “Het Wapen van Londen”, M.W.D. Verstegen, Singel hoek (corner of) Heisteeg, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printers signature: “Lith. H.C.F. Cladder Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.993

12. Cigar bag with standing smoking blackamoor against a tobacco barrel, along the top “De Rookende Moor” and below the address Wm. Sleumer Jr, Overtoom 186, Amsterdam, 1900-1910.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.693

13. Cigar bag with standing smoking blackamoor against a tobacco barrel, along the top “Sigaren-Magazijn“ and below H.J. Louman jr., Vinkenstraat 130, Amsterdam, 1885-1900. Printer's signature: “Lith. Faddegon & Co. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.957

14. Cigar bag with cigar smoking blackamoor, along the top “De Rookende Moriaan” and below the address A.M. Lodeweges, Haarlemmerdijk 73, Amsterdam, 1880-1895. Printer's signature: “Steend. Kuipers Boomsl. 31”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.671

15. Cigar bag with cigar smoking blackamoor, along the top "De Rookende Moriaan” and below the address C. van der Schalk, Nieuwe Leliestraat 180, Amsterdam, 1880-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.682

16. Cigar bag with Indian with with spear and knots, a palm tree in the background, along the bottom “De Wilde Man”, D.R. van Eldik, Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, 1860-1880. Printer's signature: “Steendr. F. v. Hoffmann, N.Z. Voorb. No. 106.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.018a

17. Cigar bag with standing smoking Indian near a tobacco barrel, along the top “Jan Hoff”, on the barrel Ferdinand Bolstraat 94, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.702

18. Cigar bag with sowing farmer in the field, in the front tobacco wrappers, arched frame with coat of arms, Mercury staff and trident, lower part Joh. van de Haar, Daniël Stalpertstraat 105, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “Jacob L. Snoek, Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.743

19. Cigar bag with a sitting tobacco planter surrounded by tobacco wrappers, a barrel on the left and a hut on the right, above the illustration “De Planter”, below H.H. Dustmann, Eerste Lindendwarsstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.745

20. Cigar bag with two merchants near a tobacco barrel, above “De Handelaars”, below C. Smit, Texelsche kade hoek (corner of) Martelaarsgracht, Amsterdam, 1860-1875.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.897

21. Cigar bag with two standing merchants and a sitting negro slave, above in arch “De Koophandel”, below H.C. Blok, Eerste Boomdwarsstraat 3, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.739

22. Cigar bag with three standing blackamoor, above “De Drie Morianen”, below J.M. van Haeften, Derde Egelantiersdwarsstraat 10, Amsterdam, 1880-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.668

23. Cigar bag with three standing blackamoor, above “De Drie Rookende Mooren”, below Carl Jäger & Comp., Leliegracht 94, Amsterdam, 1885-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.676

24. Cigar bag with merchant and three negro slaves, above the inscription “De Koophandel”, below J. Glasbeek, Oostenburgergracht 15, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.727

25. Cigar bag with Dutch merchants surrounded by tobacco wrappers, above in arch “De Jonge Koopman”, below G. Prins, Derde Egelantiersdwarsstraat 15, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.748

26. Cigar bag with standing sailor, above in arch “Het Anker”, below Gebroeders van Andel, Vondelskade XX 71, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.758

27. Cigar bag with statue of Mercury, in arch “Het Vondels-Huis” and “te Amsterdam”, Frans Becker, Warmoesstraat J64 en Prinsengracht MM1, Amsterdam, 1875-1885.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.762

28. Cigar bag with sitting personification of the industry with above on a ribbon “De Nijverheid” and below J.H.J. Ochtman, Prinsengracht 22, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.719

29. Cigar bag with standing fisherman with harpoon and big fish, below the illustration “De Visser” and H. Bakker, Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat NN453, Amsterdam, 1885-1890.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.756

30. Cigar bag with standing fisherman in oval frame with leaves, on the plinth “De Visscher”, J.K. de Roever, voorheen (before) D.D. Petit, Vijzelstraat BB106, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.751

31. Cigar bag with smoking man with fur hat in oval, on a ribbon along the top “De Rookende Pool”, below Th.M. Helsloot, voorheen (before) A. Neumann, Leidsestraat 68, Amsterdam, 1890-1895. Reverse advertisement in text.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.707

32. Cigar bag with bust of a smoking man, along the bottom “D’Hollantse Damper”, H.A. Walsmit, Haarlemmerstraat 95, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “Lith. Faddegon & Co. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.709

33. Cigar bag with ornamental design with portraits of smokers, along the top on an arched ribbon “De Rookers”, D.C. van Nulck, Warmoesstraat 63, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.711

34. Cigar bag with swan sitting on a citadel, above “De Zwanenburg”, along the bottom tobacco wrappers, below J.F. Boseker Jr., Zwanenburgerstraat P9, Amsterdam, 1880-1890.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.615

35. Cigar bag with horse in gallop, “Het Zwarte Paard”, M.H. ten Brink, Utrechtsestraat 101, Amsterdam, 1885-1890.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.606

36. Cigar bag with three persons on the back of an elephant, “De Oliphant”, W. de Jong Jurriaans, Vijzelstraat 93, Amsterdam, 1890-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.608

37. Cigar bag with elephant, camel and two prints of a port and a train station, inscription “opgericht Ao. 1814”, Joans. Jacob Voorwijk, Nes 70/72, Amsterdam, 1885-1895, below right “dep. 1882”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.775

38. Cigar bag with sailing ship, above the top “De Willem Barends”, J.W. Eerhart, Grote Kattenburgerstraat 22, Amsterdam, 1885-1900. Printers signature: “Jacob L. Snoek, Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.587

39. Cigar bag with paddle steamer, “Magazijn Nederland”, Mariniersplein 30, Amsterdam, 1890-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.592

40. Cigar bag with a steam train and a steam tramway, “Spoor en Stoomtrein Welvaren”, J. Kasdorp, Oetgenspad 155, Amsterdam, 1880-1890.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.913

41. Cigar bag with palace “Het Konings Loo”, H.R. de Vries, Singel 202, Amsterdam, 1855-1875.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.787

42. Cigar bag with palace “Het Loo” and a tobacco merchant with tobacco products, W.P. Hoeting, Singel 46, Amsterdam, 1870-1885.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.833

43. Cigar bag with mark the stock exchange of Amsterdam, a cigar factory and the arms of the Netherlands, C.J. Boele & Zoon, Amsterdam, 1880-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.720

44. Cigar bag with the stock exchange of Amsterdam, “De Beurs”, weduwe J. Dondorp, Warmoesstraat 120, Amsterdam, 1890-1900. Printer's signature: “Lith. Faddegon & Co, Asd.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.648

45. Cigar bag with Munt square with Munt tower, Gebroeders Posthumus, Berenstraat 27, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “P.C.J. Faddegon & Co, Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.939

46. Cigar bag with the facade of the Central Station, “Het Nieuwe Station”, H. Porchownijk & Co, Damrak 10, Amsterdam, 1890-1895. Printer's signature: “Lith. Molenkamp Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.655

47. Cigar bag with the facade of the Rijksmuseum (national museum) and below “Het Rijskmuseum”, reverse arms of Spain with “Van ouds het wapen van Spanje”, J.P. Zwier, Weteringstraat 38-40, Amsterdam, 1895-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.618

48. Cigar bag with the exhibition palace "Paleis voor Volksvlijt", along the top in arch “Paleis voor Volksvlijt”, below J.P.J. Schoon, Utrechtsestraat 51, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.641

49. Cigar bag with the sailors' house, below “Zeemanshuis Amsterdam”, reverse negro and H.J. Wachtels, Zutphen, 1875-1885.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.774

50. Cigar bag with weigh-house “De Keulsche Waag” and tobacco wrappers, A. Verwer, Schippersgrachtje U419, Amsterdam, 1865-1875.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.662

51. Cigar bag with view on Arnhem or Nijmegen, J.F. Verster, Kalverstraat E253, Amsterdam, 1875-1885.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.803

52. Cigar bag with facade of a tobacco shop, below “De Handelaars”, C. Jagtman, Utrechtsestraat Z139, Amsterdam, 1885-1890. Printer's signature: Lith. “Molenkamp & Co. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.632

53. Cigar bag with facade of a tobacco shop, along the top a ribbon with inscription “De Koophandel”, G.Ph. Smit, Prinsengracht 182, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.639

54. Cigar bag with facade of a shop, reverse an advertisement with the bust of a blackamoor with “De Moor” surrounded by cigar advertisements, Willem Mulder, Rembrandtplein 2, Amsterdam, 1905-1910.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.623

55. Cigar bag with shop front, “Tabak en Sigarenfabriek “Het Westland”, Naaldwijk”, Heiligenweg 34, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “Lith. Faddegon & Co. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.658

56. Cigar bag with horn with above in arch “De Posthoorn”, D. Bierma, Akoleienstraat 4, Amsterdam, 1885-1895.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.947

57. Cigar bag with puzzle picture with fruit basket, “Waar is de tuinman (Where is the gardener)?”, N. Roetman, Westerstraat 39, Amsterdam, 1890-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.934

58. Cigar bag with picture puzzle that stand for “Des nachts zijn alle muizen grauw (in the night all mice are grey)”. Randstad, 1900-1910.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.813

59. Cigar bag with map of the omnibus and tramways, along the top “Aanwijzing der verschillende lijnen der A.O. Maatschappij”, J.F. Verster, Kalverstraat 78, Amsterdam, 1885-1895. Printer's signature: “Tresling & Co Lith. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.940

60. Cigar bag with text “Sigarenmagazijn Palais Royal”, Paleisstraat 12, Amsterdam, 1890-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.883

61. Cigar bag with text “De Getrouwe Herder”, J.C. Segerdahl, Barentszstraat 84, Amsterdam, 1895-1910.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.847

62. Cigar bag with arms of Amsterdam between texts, A. Urbach, Waterlooplein 105, Amsterdam, 1890-1900.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.807

63. Cigar bag with goblins carrying a large cigar, on the ribbon below “De Koophandel”, P.E.F. Haverkamp, Von Zesenstraat 41, Amsterdam, 1890-1905.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.921

64. Cigar bag with cigar over tobacco leaves, “De Koophandel”, J. van der Wiel HWzn., Huidenstraat 20, Amsterdam, 1900-1905.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.916

65. Cigar bag with cigar box on a burning cigar and tobacco leaves, “Magazijn De Brakke Grond”, Koningstraat 36, Amsterdam, 1895-1905. Printer's signature: “Jos. Vas Dias & Co., Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.856

66. Cigar bag with text “De Jonge Amerikaan”, F. Kroeze Jr., Kleine Kattenburgerstraat 30, Amsterdam, 1890-1900. Printer's signature: “Tresling & Co. Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.857

67. Cigar bag with stylized deal with “Noviomagum”, Nieuwe Hoogstraat 39, Amsterdam, 1895-1905. Printer's signature: “Jan L. Koning. & Cie, Amst.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.865

68. Cigar bag with text on a ribbon with scroll work, “Sigarenmagazijn Flor de Habana”, S. Besem, Weteringschans 179, Amsterdam, 1895-1910.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.875

69. Cigar bag with standing smoking blackamoor, “Het Oude Postkantoor”, C.B. Richel, P.C. Hooftstraat 30, Amsterdam, 1895-1900. Reverse price list for cigars. Printer's signature: “Faddegon & Co. Ams.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.777

70. Cigar bag with bust of Queen Wilhelmina, “Inhuldigingsjaar 1898”, reverse music and text, Frans Becker, Warmoesstraat 64, Amsterdam, 1898. Printer's signature: “Gebr. Reimeringen, Amsterdam.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.085

71. Cigar bag with bust of Queen Wilhelmina, “Ter Herinnering aan ’t Koningsjaar 1880-1898”. Reverse: Henri Besançon, Beerenstraat 33, Leliegracht 2, Amsterdam, 1898-1905. Printer's signature: “Tetterode”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.110

72. Cigar bag with portrait of queen Wilhelmina in diamond shape, “Wilhelmina Koningin der Nederlanden gekroond Sept. 1898”, Louis v.d. Berg, Kalverstraat 187, Amsterdam. Reverse advertisement of a bottle with “Tafelwater (tablewater) Hollandia Bron”, 1898-1905.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.111

73. Cigar bag with crowned initial J against branches with Orange apples, “6 SEPT. 1948”, 1948. Printer's signature: “V.d. Berg, Santpoort.”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.086

74. Cigar bag with arms of the Netherlands, “Sigaren-Magazijn De Telegraaf”, Raadhuisstraat 1, Amsterdam, 1915-1920.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.928

75. Cigar bag with tobacco wrappers under a crown, “’T Gekroonde Tabaksvat”, J.B. van der Craats, Madurastraat 115 en Sumatrastraat 95, Amsterdam, 1935-1950. Reverse advertisement for tobacco, cigars and pipes.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.890

76. Cigar bag with sitting person with box of cigars, “Victor”, G. de Haan, Marnixstraat 184, Amsterdam, 1920-1940. Reverse a product advertisement for cigarettes and smokers articles. Printer's signature: “A. Kolthof, Amsterdam. Tel. Z 7866”.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.124

77. Cigar bag with historic ship, “Sigarenmagazijn ’T Koggeschip”, Jan E. Meyer, Haarlemmerstraat 117, Amsterdam, 1920-1925.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.588

78. Cigar bag with facade in an art nouveau frame, “Sigarenfabriek Borneo”, J.J. Bastiaans, Noorderkerkstraat 3-5, Amsterdam. Reverse advertisement for cigars and other shops. Amsterdam, 1915-1930.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 26.122

79. Cigar bag with portrait of stadtholder William II, “Willem II Sigaren, Willem II Royal”, A. Veninga, Groen van Prinstererstraat 110, with addresses of affiliations, Amsterdam, 1945-1960.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.916

80. Cigar bag with arms of the Netherlands and geometrical lines, “Sigarenmagazijn Deli”, E. Castein, Van Ostadestraat 311, Amsterdam, 1950-1960. Back advertisement for home made cigars and sauce free chewing tobacco.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.913

81. Cigar bag with arms of the Netherlands, geometrical pattern, Frans van Horn, Reinier Claeszenstraat 48, Amsterdam, 1955-1965. Reverse “drie Punten” (three dots).
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.969

82. Cigar bag with drawings of a smoking man and woman, “Firet’s Sigarenmagazijn”, Delistraat 48, Amsterdam. Reverse advertisement for Willem II cigars. Amsterdam, 1960-1970.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.947

83. Cigar bag with two men, below Wed. J.E. Stom-Meerman, Raamdwarsstraat 5, Amsterdam, 1960-1970. Reverse advertisement for Willem II cigars.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.885

84. Cigar bag with man holding an open box with cigars, “Sigarenmagazijn H.J. Verheul”, Columbusplein 73, Amsterdam, 1965-1975. Reverse advertisement for Washington cigars.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.862

85. Cigar bag with penguin, “Het Pijpenhuis”, G.W. Schild & Zoon., Vijzelstraat 69, Amsterdam, 1965-1975. Reverse rime from an old tobacco wrapper.
Amsterdam, Pijpenkabinet collections Pk 25.808

Notes

1. An identical copy in: G.A. Brongers, Van Gouwenaar tot bruyère pijp, Amerongen, 1978, p 46.

2. G1883-12-02 In that period the advertisements for cigars are decreasing. G1888-10-28 The prisoners in Rotterdam receive weekly ten cigars stead smoke or chewing tobacco.

3. Don Duco, Verpakkingen van kerftabak, Amsterdam, 2003.

4. Duco, Ibidem, ill. 28-31.

5. Duco, Ibidem, ill. 37.

6. J. van Lennep & J. ter Gouw, De Uithangteekens, in verband met Geschiedenis en Volksleven beschouwd, Amsterdam, 1868, Vol. II, p. 147. Also “de Rookende Pool” (the smoking Pole) is found at these type of shops, a well painted example in Leidschestraat (Amsterdam).

7. Van Lennep & Ter Gouw, (Uithangteekens), p. 147.

8. Duco, Ibidem, ill. 58.