Assortments & Your Choice A National Cigar Museum Exclusive Exhibit © Tony Hyman

Assortments & Your Choice A National Cigar Museum Exclusive Exhibit © Tony Hyman http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html Cigar smokers have been fussy abut the size, shape and blend of what they smoke ever since the 1880’s when a wide variety of choices became available. Among connoisseurs, cigars of different size and blend were required for different meals or times of day. As a result, non-smokers were often hesitant to choose cigars as gifts for fear of making the wrong purchase. Cigar makers responded by creating “the assortment,” a box of cigars that took away all that worry. The assortment, or variety pack, was designed to hold anywhere from three to as many as twelve different sizes and shapes (called “frontmarks” or “vitolas”) of cigar in one box. Assortments are usually SBN’s or NWH’s with the addition of dividers and compartments to accommodate the various shapes of cigar. Because of their long term popularity, however, cigar and box industry people speak of assortments as a class of box apart. That so many eye-catching assortments have been created during the last 100 years is no accident. Since they were usually designed for the novelty-seeking Christmas trade, box makers had a free hand to create packages that were out of the ordinary and aesthetically pleasing. Designs of a wider latitude were possible, breaking away from the limitations imposed by standard cigar packaging shapes of 13 or 17 cigars to the row. Assortments are often found with the top row of cigars nestled in a lift-out tray to permit access to the bottom row. Trays and dividers are sometimes a nuisance to the user of the empty box, however, so today’s collector often finds assortments with trays missing or dividers broken out. A special category of assortment is called a “Your Choice.” These boxes offer the same cigar but in different colors or the same cigar under different brand names or pictures. In the latter case, names and images are usually competing political candidates or rival actresses. The smoker “votes” for his favorite by buying a cigar from the compartment named after his candidate or favorite celebrity. Choices were usually “Light, Medium and Dark” or “Mild, Medium and Strong.” A retailer might accept a space hog like ROYAL PURPLE (below) from a cigar salesman on a short term basis since most stores wanted to stock only one color or strength of a particular cigar and a box like this would give customers the opportunity to sample a new brand in three strengths, and register an opinion before the storekeeper ordered a stock. The disadvantages of offering three strengths quickly became apparent to retailers. If all the cigars of one strength were sold, the retailer would be giving up display space for an empty compartment that could not legally be refilled from another box. Vote for your favorite 1880’s actress. Cabinet photo inserts of Marie Geistinger & Emelie Melville. Cigars by Lewyn & Martin, Fact. 34, 3rd NYC, 200 rollers. [4272] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#0 1d103ed2-009b-438e-883e-618a28b7bc3b http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/NWH4272/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/NWH4272/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Vote for your favorite 1880’s actress. Cabinet photo<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">inserts of Marie Geistinger & Emelie Melville.  Cigars by Lewyn & Martin, Fact. 34, 3rd NYC,<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">200 rollers. <br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4272]</p></div></div> Vote for your favorite local politician. Cabinet photo inserts of unknown men. Cigars by E.J. Fitzgerald, Fact. 18, 3rd NYC, 1880’s. 60 rollers. [2169] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#1 e7f9fdd0-1050-4224-bd9f-94d8e9e1e663 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/21patriot69/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/21patriot69/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Vote for your favorite local politician. Cabinet photo inserts of unknown men. Cigars by E.J. Fitzgerald,<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Fact. 18, 3rd NYC, 1880’s.  60 rollers.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[2169]</p></div></div> Folding Novely NWHC which gives smoker choice of three colors of cigars. Fact. 215, 3rd NYC with 45 rollers owned by Sol. Dobriner. Retailers didn’t like the large latch on top as it made the boxes nearly impossible to stack neatly. [3405] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#2 68d4b45b-c198-42e7-b406-3a8efd54a579 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dcolor3405/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dcolor3405/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Folding Novely NWHC which gives smoker choice<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">of three colors of cigars. Fact. 215, 3rd NYC<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">with 45 rollers owned by Sol. Dobriner. Retailers didn’t like the large latch on top as it made the<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">boxes nearly impossible to stack neatly.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3405]</p></div></div> Front lid unfolds forward creating an extra large space hog demanding to be atop the case. Unusual purple liner. Mid 1880’s. [*3406] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#3 8e5123c0-e628-480e-93f0-bf235fa8fef4 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/34novelty6/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/34novelty6/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Front lid unfolds forward creating an extra large space hog demanding to be atop the case. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Unusual purple liner. Mid 1880’s.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[*3406]</p></div></div> Unusual tri-level unfolding novelty gives smokers choice of three colors of wrapper. 1889. [3403] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#4 21bb7a12-ddbc-42ef-a57e-b9204d3dc7e1 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dc3403/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dc3403/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Unusual tri-level unfolding novelty gives smokers choice of three colors of wrapper. 1889.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3403]</p></div></div> Big space hog demands to be on top of the counter. Cigars by Westcott & Son, Fact 320, 21st Dist NY, Binghamton’s 3rd largest factory with 300 rollers. [3402] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#5 fcb1ce2b-a8b2-45cb-a7ec-60936e265636 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dcolor3402/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dcolor3402/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Big space hog demands to be on top of the counter.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Cigars by Westcott & Son, Fact 320, 21st Dist NY,<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Binghamton’s 3rd largest factory with 300 rollers.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3402]</p></div></div> Very unusual long cigar box which offers Choice of Mild, Medium and Strong cigars. Length isn’t the odd part, but rather the fact the lid is hinged on the short end. Huge space hog is difficult to put in a cigar case so gets put on top. [3497] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#6 4d15124b-b70f-4915-9972-5fccc6a1d3bd http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/novelty3497/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/novelty3497/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Very unusual long cigar box which offers Choice<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">of Mild, Medium and Strong cigars. Length isn’t the odd part, but rather the fact the lid is hinged<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">on the short end. Huge space hog is difficult to <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">put in a cigar case so gets put on top.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3497]</p></div></div> Cigars made by Kahner & Merkel, Fact. 65, 3rd NYC. Their 100th Street factory employed 500. [3498] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#7 eae88cbd-b9fe-4f82-9622-6d333230193f http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/novelty3498/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/novelty3498/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Cigars made by Kahner & Merkel, Fact. 65, 3rd NYC. Their 100th Street factory employed 500.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3498]</p></div></div> Standard configuration for offering Mild, Medium & Strong choices of cigar. Cigars made by Kahner & Merkel, Fact. 65, 3rd NYC. Their 100th Street factory employed 500. Same maker as Cockney [4358] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#8 0edc9322-5a0d-4e2b-8fe4-69e7573a7e9c http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4358/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4358/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Standard configuration for offering Mild, Medium & Strong choices of cigar. Cigars made by Kahner & Merkel, Fact. 65, 3rd NYC. Their 100th Street factory employed 500. Same maker as Cockney<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4358]</p></div></div> Singularly configured way of presenting choice of three colors in three drawers. Cigars by A.J. Hess in Fact. 16, 23rd Dist., Allegheny, PA c1900. [4352] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#9 bcca24d4-c5cd-4501-b4a6-db63c9647905 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4352/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4352/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Singularly configured way of presenting choice of three colors in three drawers. Cigars by A.J. Hess in Fact. 16, 23rd Dist., Allegheny, PA  c1900.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4352]</p></div></div> Double jugate election box from 1904. Unusual use of 10 top boxes with cut-down inners. Choose between the Republicans or Democrats. Cigars by J.H. Peters, Fact. 73, Nebraska City, NE. [2168] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#10 f637dadd-0679-4677-a210-7b9ad8f7244a http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/21patriot68/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/21patriot68/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Double jugate election box from 1904. Unusual use of 10 top boxes with cut-down inners. Choose between the Republicans or Democrats. Cigars by <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">J.H. Peters, Fact. 73, Nebraska City, NE.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[2168]</p></div></div> Very unusual use of two trays for a 6-choice assortment. Cigars by Factory 2762, 9th PA. 1919 box depicts Henry Sage, philanthropist donor to Cornell U., Bay City, MI, library. [4346] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#11 332c12c0-fc63-47a2-b358-2b4a2cf2240f http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4346/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4346/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Very unusual use of two trays for a 6-choice assortment. Cigars by Factory 2762, 9th PA.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">1919 box depicts Henry Sage, philanthropist<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">donor to Cornell U., Bay City, MI, library.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4346]</p></div></div> There’s a good chance this Assortment was a salesman’s sample rather than a Christmas gift. Fact. 1120, 115 Lake Street, 1st Illinois. 1913. [3413] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#12 0e767d1b-8514-4bb2-b290-d02bfba09ad0 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Ds%203413/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Ds%203413/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">There’s a good chance this Assortment was a salesman’s sample rather than a Christmas gift.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Fact. 1120, 115 Lake Street, 1st Illinois. 1913.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3413]</p></div></div> Cigars by S, Solares & Co., Lake Street, Chicago, were packed in this unusual compactly designed double lid eight pocket Assortment. A curator’s favorite. [3412] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#13 0298a689-83ca-4b0e-afa4-727e6d439856 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dsales3412/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dsales3412/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Cigars by S, Solares & Co., Lake Street, Chicago, were packed in this unusual compactly designed<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">double lid eight pocket Assortment. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><span class="style_8">A curator’s favorite</span>.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3412]</p></div></div> Plain, but polished, wooden exterior, highlights this large Assortment of cigars from Isaac Jacobson’s 3 man factory No. 321, 3rd Dist. NYC, c1914. [4383] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#14 04f6323c-ccc8-4228-9699-6163c2878020 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4383/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4383/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Plain, but polished, wooden exterior, highlights this large Assortment of cigars from Isaac Jacobson’s <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">3 man factory No. 321, 3rd Dist. NYC, c1914.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4383]</p></div></div> Five compartment Assortment was probably a Christmas gift. Purple isn’t a color associated with the Holidays but the patterned foil is. Foil is rarely found in such fine condition. [4384] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#15 2c89ffae-b131-4a57-872e-15ca27ae3001 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4384/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4384/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Five compartment Assortment was probably a Christmas gift. Purple isn’t a color associated with the Holidays but the patterned foil is. Foil is rarely found in such fine condition. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4384]</p></div></div> GONZALEZ & SANCHEZ, Fact. 72 Florida, used this unusual compartmented and drawered box around 1912±. Marked as “Made expressly for Fred Brooks, Jacksonville, Fla.” [3608] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#16 ee042cf1-7c66-4dbf-9e6e-ce4193c94fab http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/36misc8_2/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/36misc8_2/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_4">GONZALEZ & SANCHEZ<span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_9">, Fact. 72 Florida, used this unusual compartmented and drawered box around<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_4"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_9">1912±. Marked as “Made expressly for Fred Brooks, Jacksonville, Fla.”</span><br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3608]</p></div></div> Unidentified maker created this unusual cruciform assortment around 1910. Catalog card missing and box in storage, so further data unavailable. [3611] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#17 f8687f82-d58f-49d9-aa55-d3a6cea27ae6 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/36misc11/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/36misc11/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Unidentified maker created this unusual cruciform assortment around 1910. Catalog card missing and box in storage, so further data unavailable.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3611]</p></div></div> One of the most common Assortments is this SBN with tray created in the 1930’s for Congress Cigar Company’s top selling brand. Fact. 513 1st PA. [9927] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#18 8d013f41-d01a-48cd-81d4-a7c0a6cec38f http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/9927/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/9927/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">One of the most common Assortments is this SBN with tray created in the 1930’s for Congress Cigar<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Company’s top selling brand. Fact. 513 1st PA.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[9927]</p></div></div> Finest condition example of this box I’ve ever seen, A poor condition example was the 1st Assortment in my collection in 1954. Bottom of each compartment labeled POB with the frontmark of the cigars. [9928] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#19 0d3a1557-a44e-48d9-989d-9b72a997cd32 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/9928/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/9928/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Finest condition example of this box I’ve ever seen, A poor condition example was the 1st Assortment in my collection in 1954. Bottom of each compartment labeled POB with the frontmark of the cigars.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[9928]</p></div></div> Near mint condition 13/13 Assortment was probably a Salesman’s Sample for cigars made by Charles Fritz, Quakertown, PA, Factory 585, 1st District, c1915. [3624] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#20 090f2ed0-b2b5-41cf-81b4-a7f8a9316680 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc3624/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc3624/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Near mint condition 13/13 Assortment was<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">probably a Salesman’s Sample for cigars<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">made by Charles Fritz, Quakertown, PA,<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Factory 585, 1st District, c1915.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3624]</p></div></div> Very popular 1950 Christmas gift of 50 quality cigars in 5 shapes made by American Tobacco Co. in their giant Trenton, NJ, Factory 1, Customs Dist. 11. [4381] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#21 145d6952-765e-4174-9a29-c3895719589e http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4381/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/%3Dassort4381/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Very popular 1950 Christmas gift of 50 quality cigars in 5 shapes made by American Tobacco Co. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">in their giant Trenton, NJ, Factory 1, <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Customs Dist. 11.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4381]</p></div></div> Assortment from late 1940’s of 10 cigars made in Fact. 5 NJ by this famous New England Company. Probably a Waitt & Bond salesman’s sample. [0570] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#22 4d57c9b3-f01c-4630-9176-ea62ca41a12b http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/Salesmen70/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/Salesmen70/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Assortment from late 1940’s of 10 cigars made in Fact. 5 NJ by this famous New England Company. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Probably a Waitt & Bond salesman’s sample.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[0570]</p></div></div> Salesman’s sample of A. Santaella’s quality cigars. Boxes of 8 cigars were not legal until 1959. [0571] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#23 bd516eb2-7e88-477d-b664-dc60b0b44758 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/Salesmen71/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/Salesmen71/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Salesman’s sample of A. Santaella’s<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">quality cigars. Boxes of 8 cigars <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"> were not legal until 1959. <br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[0571]</p></div></div> Famous Christmas gift Assortment. Unusual box bottom depicts and describes contents. Cigars by GHP in 1954. [4304] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#24 dbc0e6ce-f57e-4325-92a5-1bf1022d5ba3 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype434/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype434/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Famous Christmas gift Assortment. Unusual<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">box bottom depicts and describes contents.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Cigars by GHP in 1954.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4304]</p></div></div> The same two photos were used in magazine ads. Saves on production costs. Twenty-five cigars were packed in the “Cigar Album” sold at $3.75. http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#25 b351a488-70ce-4e88-908e-2eedff9bb14a http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/testtruck/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/testtruck/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">The same two photos were used in magazine ads.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Saves on production costs. Twenty-five cigars were packed in the “Cigar Album” sold at $3.75.</p></div></div> Designer Paul Rand is responsible for this then avant-garde cover. Very popular when released, the box materials haven’t worn well over time. Hard to find in fine condition. Ebay sellers tend to optimistically overestimate value. [4303] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#26 d6a83b13-d4f2-48c9-8087-546915cca3fa http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype433/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype433/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Designer Paul Rand is responsible for this then avant-garde cover. Very popular when released, the box materials haven’t worn well over time. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Hard to find in fine condition. Ebay sellers<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">tend to optimistically overestimate value.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4303]</p></div></div> Attractive use of fragile plastic for this late 1950’s assortment of 25 cigars in five shapes. [8853] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#27 ae3a17d1-4edf-43e4-b2c7-35e0901606b9 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc8853/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc8853/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Attractive use of fragile plastic for this<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">late 1950’s assortment of 25 cigars<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">in five shapes.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[8853]</p></div></div> A follow up to the popular Christmas gift of previous years, this assortment of 26 cigars in 9 shapes was made after 1959 when boxes of 26 were legalized. [8854] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#28 3198e482-5a5e-4c5c-852a-c828c446fed6 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc8854/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/misc8854/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">A follow up to the popular Christmas gift of previous years, this assortment of 26 cigars in 9 shapes<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">was made after 1959 when boxes of 26 <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">were legalized. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[8854]</p></div></div> Another innovative use of plastic in the post-1960 era. Two rows of 17 cigars and nestled in plastic lift-out inserts and displayed with a sliding lid. [7095] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#29 9a718cf3-b432-4283-9805-eceb19ea2dd2 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/70fulltwo95/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/70fulltwo95/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Another innovative use of plastic in the post-1960 era. Two rows of 17 cigars and nestled in plastic lift-out inserts and displayed with a sliding lid.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[7095]</p></div></div> Box of 4 given away “Compliments of the Cigar Institute of America” though exactly when and why isn’t recorded. Can anyone help? Cigars made in Fact. C-855. [4395] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#30 9f0ea0dc-839d-4378-9b7d-244b96b4b977 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4395/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype4395/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Box of 4 given away “Compliments of the Cigar Institute of America” though exactly when<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">and why isn’t recorded. <span class="style_8">Can anyone help?</span><br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Cigars made in Fact. C-855. <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4395]</p></div></div> Post-1960 ANTONIO Y CLEOPATRA Assortment with vinyl exterior and inset sports theme image. Attractive use of modern materials. Date? [6325] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#31 6bfdabcd-1e18-46bc-9e3c-23c94e28ea9d http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/modern6325/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/modern6325/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Post-1960 <span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_10">ANTONIO Y CLEOPATRA</span> Assortment with<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">vinyl exterior and inset sports theme image.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Attractive use of modern materials. <span class="style_8">Date?</span><br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[6325]</p></div></div> Thompson and Co.’s almost weightless cardboard Assortment designed 1880 for the mail order trade. Use of simple not particularly eye-catching designs, have become traditional with mail order. [4305] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#32 f64ef60f-5009-4ae1-9bdd-9a3ccf46c57d http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype435/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/boxtype435/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Thompson and Co.’s almost weightless cardboard<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Assortment designed 1880 for the mail order trade.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">Use of simple not particularly eye-catching designs, have become traditional with mail order.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[4305]</p></div></div> Not a single box, but certainly deserving of being seen is this clever use of matching slipcased “books” to hold the various sizes. LA CORONA for Christmas 1970. [3319] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments.html#33 3f9e2df7-4874-4b7f-a528-e0b7d1457830 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/UnNamed19/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Assortments_files/Media/UnNamed19/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_0_0"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">Not a single box, but certainly deserving of<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">being seen is this clever use of matching<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3">slipcased “books” to hold the various sizes.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_4">LA CORONA<span class="style_11"> </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_9">for Christmas 1970.</span><br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_3"><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_3">[3319]</p></div></div>