For the cigar smoker

Since the cigar is fitted with a colorful cigar band (in the first place to prevent getting brown fingers) the cigar band has become a collector’s item on its own right. The highly decorative value is highlighted by the many objects that are covered with a pattern of cigar bands. The popular pictures printed on the bands, for instance of royalties, were used as a centre point.

In the same way the silk ribbons that hold the bunches of cigars got a re-use, for instance to stitch a cushion cover showing numerous ribbons with the woven texts.

Presenting a cigar at home or in the office was not just a simple act. Most houses were damp enough to keep the cigars in good condition without a humidor; instead, boxes were used to keep the cigars dry.

A beautiful way to present a cigar is from a cigar mill, that opens up a number of doors by turning the knob on top, each door holding between one and three cigars. Even more enjoyable if a musical box is incorporated: taking a cigar could made into a festive ceremony, not kept unnoticed.

Porcelain stands to be put on the table after dinner was the more easy way to offer a smoke. Typical Dutch is a crystal horn for cigars combined with a stand for a box of matches. Eventually this fashion of showing off disappears, only leaving a simple beaker with ‘cigar’ label or a simple box.
Glass dish on the back a pattern of cigar bands with in the centre queen Wilhelmina and prince Hendrik. The Netherlands, 1908-1910.
A rectangular tray with cigar band decoration in a beautiful geometrical pattern. The Netherlands, 1900-1910.
A tray with wooden frame and metal handles, under the glass a cigar band decoration. The Netherlands, 1900-1910.
Detail of the rectangular dish above with cigar band decoration, in the centre the portrait of queen Wilhelmina. The Netherlands, 1900-1910.
Plate decorated with cigar bands of famous historical persons. The Netherlands, 1950-1960.
Vide poche in glass decorated with cigar bands with portraits of American presidents. The Netherlands, 1900-1920.
Cushion made of the ribbans of bunches cigars, in the middle the contours of the iron cross. England, 1860-1890.
Cigar box covered with rose wood decorated with text "Cigars" and white metal details. England, 1900-1910.
A table box to offer cigars with in the base a musical box, the top a bronze of a smoker. France, 1890-1910.
A center piece for the table to offer cigars in massive silver, a gift to a Dutch burgomaster. The Netherlands, Oud-Beijerland, 1862.
A six sided cigar mill veneered with burr, the sides open to offer the cigars. France, 1880-1900.
The cigar mill in opened position showing the holders for the cigars. France. 1880-1900. A table box in opened position with the holders for the cigars visible. France, 1890-1910.
Cigar mill with six doors that open when turning the handle on teh top. France, 1880-1900. The cigar mill with the doors in opened position showing the holders for cigars. France, 1880-1900.
Presentoir-cigares in cast iron in a rustic design, a knight as a candle holder to light the cigar. Berlin, 1830-1850.
Cigar stand in porcelain fashionable coloured in green and red, some details accentuated with gilding. France, Porcelaine de Paris, 1870-1890.
A presentation stand for cigars in porcelain with gilding. France, Porcelaine de Paris, 1860-1890.
Cigare stand shaped like a stove, some details enlightened with gilding. France, 1870-1890. A curious cigar stand shaped like an umbrella in fragile porcelain with cobalt blue decoration. France, 1860-1880. Combined presentation set for cigars and fidibus, the paper slips to light a cigar, porcelain mounted with gilt bronze. France, 1860-1880.
A large ceramic stand in bronze color for cigars and matches, in the front a small ashtray. Austria, 1880-1900.
In bronze color a presentation set for cigars including a roughened part to strike a match. Austria, 1880-1900.
Cigar beaker in opaline glass on a gilt metal stand with Jugendstil design.. Germany, 1900-1910.
Crystal horn for offering cigars together with a matchbox stand on a black wooden foot with three ivory feet. The Netherlands, 1900-1915.
Jar for cigars shaped like a dogs head to be taken from the foot the object offers space for cigars. Germany/Austria, 1890-1910.
A ceramic set for cigars, a pipe bowl on the front serving for matches, the base includes a roughened part to strike a match. England, 1900-1920. Cigar beaker in simple red backing clay with slib decoration in art deco style. The Netherlands, Katwijk, 1920-1930.
Gilt presentation set for cigars and cigarettes including a lighter. England, 1920-1930.

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on pipes and smoking © copyright Pijpenkabinet Foundation, Amsterdam