Classic Modern Humidors
A National Cigar Museum Exhibit
© Tony Hyman
I’ve never been overly interested in after-market humidors. My cigars were never expensive enough or purchased in sufficient quantity enough to warrant owning one. My collecting interests always centered on retail cigar boxes, and there were enough fine ones of those to gobble up all the collecting money I had available. That being said, a few years ago a set of four humidors came on the market that I found absolutely irresistible.
The brainchild of James Colucci and Eric Workman, Marketing VP’s at cigar giant Altadis, the large (up to 24” wide) boxes represent four of this country’s most famous buildings. Made in China of some resin composite and lined in cedar, they were designed to retail at $800.
Want one of these gorgeous buildings? A company representative said the first one came on the market in 1995 and they’re sold out, but you may be lucky enough to find a tobacconist with one left in stock. I’m told that a few have appeared on eBay as well.
If you are a tobacconist who has one, let me know and I’ll pass the word to potential customers who inquire. <Tony@CigarHistory.info>
The Jefferson Memorial
In some respects the most distinctive
of the set of four, the Jefferson Memorial is
almost “square” at 17” wide and 15” tall,
presenting the smallest footprint of the
buildings. It is also the only one that opens
from the front, cabinet style, rather than from
the top, chest style. Drawers replace trays.
The Lincoln Memorial
omitted. This particular humidor might have been more popular had Lincoln been visible. It’s still a Greco-Roman classic building and a fine place to store cigars. One sold on ebay in October of 2007 for less than $400.
The Capitol Building
almost as tall, like the
White House it opens from
the top and has divided
trays with room for
dozens of cigars.
The detail on these is
so good you can picture
yourself ascending the
staircase. Note the figural
finial atop the dome.
The White House
Front view, front when open, and rear view.
Two lift out trays have moveable dividers.
Internet specials
No gauges, one lift tray, one operating drawer, movable dividers, swing-out corner pillars and liberal use of cedar scent characterize these large [11” x 20” x 13” tall) heavy chests which have been popular ebay sellers for the past two years at prices between $150 and $250.
This one carries an Upmann logo but has no connection with the company that I’m aware of. Other logos are available.
I bought it for my spouse as a jewelry box.
[111+]
If a classic combination of
attractive and impractical appeals to you, here’s another frequent ebay offering, that usually sells for opening bid of $20 but carries $30 in additional s/h/i charges.
Roughly 14” base and 11” high, the pyramid design is time honored, but more for tombs than humidors; reaching your cigars approaches the difficulty of robbing Tut’s burial place, and the upper lift-out trays are too small and oddly configured to be of much use. The wood is a soft variety of what appears to be tropical mahogany with a lovely burl painted on by first-rate Chinese burl fakers.
I bought it because the configuration and paint job was so attractive. I probably won’t use it.
Friends of Partagas XV year celebration humidor
I’ve included this gem because it’s probably the only opportunity you’ll get to see one. Owned by my friend, iweb mentor, and golfing partner Dr. David Diaz (aka Dr. Stogie Fresh).
This is #5 of only 25 made to honor the 15th anniversary of the “Friends of Partagas.”
Only two were autographed by Don Alejandro Robaina.
Dr. David “Stogie Fresh” Diaz custom humidor
