In the pre-Civil War era most cigars were shipped from the factory in boxes which held 200 to 5,000 cigars. In the first half of the 19th century the practice began of offering smokers cigars in multiples, from two for a penny for the lowest quality domestics to two for a quarter for the largest finest Havanas. Three for a nickel was a particularly popular pricing. Few people bought cigars by the box. Most were bought loose in ones, twos, etc., and carried by middle and upper classes in personal painted combination papier maché and leather pouches, almost all of which appear to be of European origin. By the mid 1850s personal cigar cases were also made of leather, silver, silver plate, tin, and tortoise shell.

        This exhibit is not comprehensive but rather designed to provide an overview of the types available. See also the Exhibit of Paper Bags.