Book-Shaped Boxes National Cigar History Museum Exclusive © Tony Hyman Modified: January 3, 2011

Book-Shaped Boxes National Cigar History Museum Exclusive © Tony Hyman Modified: January 3, 2011 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html The first novelty packaging appears to have been boxes shaped like books. Book-shaped boxes were similar enough to standard NW 50/13 boxes that they didn’t raise the ire of IRS and were permitted before the law of 1878 made novelties ubiquitous. Book boxes are found in 10, 12 and 100 boxes, but those are rare compared to the flood of more standard 25/13 and 50/13 packages. Book shaped boxes vary greatly in the degree of realism offered. Selection of books hinting at the huge variety available. [3303] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#0 9d3fb5eb-90ff-40c6-b612-0fea2ab6129d http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed3/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed3/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Selection of books hinting at the <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">huge variety available. <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3303]</span></p></div></div> More variety. An upstate NY bookstore owner friend has more than 100 different book-shaped boxes, 25 of which I gave him in exchange for the LA ESCEPCION chest seen elsewhere in the NCM. [3302] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#1 37ba8919-150b-4bd0-830a-be93bc400f44 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed2/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed2/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">More variety. An upstate NY bookstore owner friend has more than 100 different book-shaped boxes, <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">25 of which I gave him in exchange for the </span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">LA ESCEPCION</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"> chest seen elsewhere in the NCM.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3302]</span></p></div></div> Earliest book in the NCM collection, made in 1876. Box is “framed,” a boxmaker term for four wooden sides and cardboard top and bottom. The thinner cardboard adds to the realism of the presentation. [3324] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#2 27060250-03c7-431f-a942-864a55408730 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed24/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed24/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Earliest book in the NCM collection, made in 1876.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Box is “framed,” a boxmaker term for four wooden sides<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"> and cardboard top and bottom. The thinner<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">cardboard adds to the realism of the presentation.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3324]</span></p></div></div> This type latch is frequently found on early books. Without it, contents would spill out when the box was stood vertically on a shelf. [3325] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#3 e89b618a-d306-4b2c-a50b-4c29f083b02f http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed25/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed25/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">This type latch is frequently found on early books. <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Without it, contents would spill out when the <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">box was stood vertically on a shelf.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3325]</span></p></div></div> Die-cuts are often integrated into cigar box designs in the 19th century. Froude was the cigar maker. Factory 408, 2nd District NYC. [3326] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#4 ff464506-523b-4d89-a501-6de7ab9bdc36 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed26/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed26/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Die-cuts are often integrated into cigar box designs<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">in the 19th century. Froude was the cigar maker.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Factory 408, 2nd District NYC. <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3326]</span></p></div></div> The cigars sold for 10¢ each, $4.50 a box according to hand-written notations on the Caution Notice. That was fairly pricey at the time, though cigars as high as $1.00 each were available. [3327] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#5 3f28d83f-1ed6-4a1c-992c-6f0244d70870 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed27/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed27/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">The cigars sold for 10¢ each, $4.50 a box according to <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">hand-written notations on the Caution Notice.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">That was fairly pricey at the time, though cigars<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">as high as $1.00 each were available.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3327]</span></p></div></div> Framed box (wooden sides with thin cardboard top and bottom) textured and colored to look like old leather. [9521] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#6 9314b219-2b45-46e8-abf8-89f0d3a6577a http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/dd%209521/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/dd%209521/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Framed box (wooden sides with thin cardboard <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">top and bottom) textured and colored to <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">look like old leather.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[9521]</span></p></div></div> Clasp is curved to match the curved “pages” and spine. Registered in 1876, sold in 1879 by Manhattan’s J. Holzman, an early creative packager of cigars. [9520] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#7 60a7efef-0bec-4414-83a1-c0a6cc749c74 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/de%20%209520/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/de%20%209520/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Clasp is curved to match the curved “pages” <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">and spine. Registered in 1876, sold in 1879 <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">by Manhattan’s J. Holzman, an early<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">creative packager of cigars.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[9520]</span></p></div></div> The label style is typical of 1870’s and early 1880’s, with its central square and twin flanking decorative panels. Box is lined with a foil-like paper often indicative of Christmas use. [9524] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#8 41a2b42f-5f72-4c3f-a55c-eb0ffc151709 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/df%209524/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/df%209524/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">The label style is typical of 1870’s and early 1880’s, with <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">its central square and twin flanking decorative panels. <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Box is lined with a foil-like paper<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">often indicative of Christmas use.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[9524]</span></p></div></div> The most common book-shaped box, used by cigar makers coast to coast around 1900. My first book-shaped box was a LONGFELLOW discovered in a California bookcase when I was 14. Colorful swirls on the fore edge are common. [3307] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#9 5606ce1d-b6b9-4402-819f-63cc18b753fe http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed7/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed7/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">The most common book-shaped box, used by cigar makers coast to coast around 1900. My first book-shaped box was a </span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">LONGFELLOW</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"> discovered in a California bookcase when I was 14. Colorful swirls on the fore edge are common.  [3307]</span></p></div></div> Not all books had latches. This 1885 box exterior is typical of the period, and the earliest example of a CN printed directly on the box (POB). Fact. 803, 9th Dist. PA. [3312] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#10 aa210cf6-2034-42c6-9249-c00c94e03e6d http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed12/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed12/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Not all books had latches. This 1885 box exterior is <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">typical of the period, and the earliest example of <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">a CN printed directly on the box (POB).<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Fact. 803, 9th Dist. PA.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3312]</span></p></div></div> Brand names were frequently missing from inside labels in the 1860’s but unusual to not find in boxes as late as 1885. [3332] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#11 fc14e8a3-4a91-49c3-9ee4-ca5506eaa02e http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/ef%203332/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/ef%203332/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Brand names were frequently missing from <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">inside labels in the 1860’s but unusual to not find<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">in boxes as late as 1885. <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3332]</span></p></div></div> Unusual 1883 book box of 100/26 used by Vallencia Cigar Factory, 64 Wabash, Chicago for J.I. Meyer & Bro. of St. Louis. Cigars made in Fact. 638, 1st Illinois. [3316] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#12 ed7cdeaa-b736-42a5-af67-f9f17fef6d5e http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed16/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed16/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Unusual 1883 book box of 100/26 used by<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Vallencia Cigar Factory, 64 Wabash, Chicago<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">for J.I. Meyer & Bro. of St. Louis. <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Cigars made in Fact. 638, 1st Illinois.  <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3316]</span></p></div></div> Great satirical medical label. The Vallencia Cigar factory had 150 rollers making it Chicago’s largest, almost 3x the third largest. Berriman Bros. with 140 was second largest. [3317] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#13 e5b5b007-f6d8-4a0c-a5a3-364ea4d2231d http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed17/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed17/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Great satirical medical label. The Vallencia<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Cigar factory had 150 rollers making it Chicago’s largest, almost 3x the third largest. Berriman Bros.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">with 140 was second largest. <br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3317]</span></p></div></div> Unnamed Christmas box. This is the bottom of the box. Note the cut-out in the center, exposing the legally required Factory ID stamped in the wood. [3333] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#14 dc0ba121-6e07-4075-97aa-bfb4869ea427 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed33/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed33/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Unnamed Christmas box. This is the bottom of the box. Note the cut-out in the center, exposing the legally required Factory ID stamped in the wood.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3333]</span></p></div></div> Covering objects with cigar bands was a popular hobby 1900-1920. The label on this Christmas box imitated the fad. Fact. 151, 3rd Iowa c1913. [3309] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#15 65e8ee21-c46f-45a6-83ce-e2dd40054304 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed9/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed9/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Covering objects with cigar bands was a popular hobby 1900-1920. The label on this Christmas box<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">imitated the fad. Fact. 151, 3rd Iowa  c1913.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3309]</span></p></div></div> Rare 12/6 featuring a boy peeing his Christmas greetings in the snow. Cigars by Chas. Specht Noonday Cigar Co., Fact. 505, 1st Missouri, St. Louis, 1904. A curator’s favorite. [3305] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#16 09ddbd09-c5af-4cab-8219-de1e612742af http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed5/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed5/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Rare 12/6 featuring a boy peeing his Christmas greetings in the snow.  Cigars by Chas. Specht Noonday Cigar Co., Fact. 505, 1st Missouri, <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">St. Louis, 1904. </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_6">A curator’s favorite.</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3305]</span></p></div></div> Not too many books were used for custom brands. Fact. 481, 1st PA. Was this actually sold or given away at the convention? ¿Quien Sabe? [3308] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#17 1a36d16b-d7cd-48fa-a607-bf87556ca326 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed8/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed8/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Not too many books were used for<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">custom brands.  Fact. 481, 1st PA.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Was this actually sold or given  away <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">at the convention?  </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_7">¿Quien Sabe?</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3308]</span></p></div></div> Ordinary looking book, Havana 1910. A curator’s favorite. [3342] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#18 ced544c5-30cc-4a95-bfaa-77055470afce http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed42/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed42/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Ordinary looking book, Havana 1910.<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_5"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">A curator’s favorite.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3342]</span></p></div></div> But open it up and find a hidden treasure by one of Cuba’s most innovative packagers, Francisco Fonseca, 1910. [3343 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#19 2b464621-ac5a-454a-910b-7b0638c9aeac http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed43/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed43/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">But open it up and find a hidden treasure by<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">one of Cuba’s most innovative packagers,<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Francisco Fonseca, 1910.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3343</span></p></div></div> The inner label of the box pictures F.E. Fonseca, who operated cigar factories in Havana and New York City. [3344] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#20 127fddf2-0980-4870-9b7c-99d57552dff5 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed44/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed44/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">The inner label of the box pictures<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">F.E. Fonseca, who operated cigar factories<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">in Havana and New York City.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3344]</span></p></div></div> SUPREME SENSATIONS, a very realistic looking book box from Fonseca’s New York Factory. A curator’s favorite. [3339] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#21 a95af69a-8e82-4553-9b2d-d7be4ab6b2ca http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed39/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed39/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_6">SUPREME SENSATIONS,<span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8"> a very realistic looking<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_6"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">book box from Fonseca’s New York Factory.</span><span class="style_9"><br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_5"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">A curator’s favorite.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3339]</span></p></div></div> Another view. Thin cardboard covers with a leather feel add to the book illusion. F.E. Fonseca’s Factory 206, 2nd Dist New York City, 1926. A curator’s favorite. [3340] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#22 7e082320-f2d6-4335-b5b2-f465a463b6fc http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed40/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed40/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Another view. Thin cardboard covers with a leather feel <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">add to the book illusion. F.E. Fonseca’s<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Factory 206, 2nd Dist New York City, 1926.<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_5"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">A curator’s favorite.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3340]</span></p></div></div> Inside, the box is “Dedicated to J.M. Porter as a special mark of esteem” and personally hand-signed by Fonseca. Factory located at 150 Duane St. NYC. Tax stamp cancel suggests it was a Christmas gift. [3341] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#23 d9bd939f-9d9f-497a-a1df-19f859a15ee3 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed41/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed41/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Inside, the box is “Dedicated to J.M. Porter as a special <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">mark of esteem” and personally hand-signed by Fonseca. <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Factory located at 150 Duane St. NYC.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Tax stamp cancel suggests it was a Christmas gift.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3341]</span></p></div></div> Cuban not particularly realistic all wood inlaid “book” by Segundo Lopez, Havana, Cuba c1900. [3346] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#24 97ef733b-5257-46a7-9974-b496421116d5 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed46/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed46/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Cuban not particularly realistic all wood<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">inlaid “book” by Segundo Lopez, <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Havana, Cuba  c1900.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3346]</span></p></div></div> Red cedar not particularly realistic box of 100 filled in Factory 45, 1st PA in the 1930’s. These SWEETEST STORY EVER TOLD turn up regularly. In general, book boxes seldom contain 100 cigars. [3353] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#25 cf1b7f64-7272-47cc-98d9-6f316e6ce27e http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed53/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed53/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Red cedar not particularly realistic box of 100 <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">filled in Factory 45, 1st PA in the 1930’s. These <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">SWEETEST STORY EVER TOLD </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">turn up regularly.<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">In general, book boxes seldom contain 100 cigars.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3353]</span></p></div></div> One of history’s all time most popular book boxes with attractive simulated alligator cover. Made by Cuesta Rey, Fact. 55 Florida in 1939. [3321] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#26 9946dd39-5cdd-4b36-ab60-ec498dbef105 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed21/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed21/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">One of history’s all time most popular book boxes <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">with attractive simulated alligator cover. Made by<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Cuesta Rey, Fact. 55 Florida in 1939.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3321]</span></p></div></div> Elegant Christmas package has a wooden flap with a lift tab. Tax stamp used legally but hidden so it didn’t interfere with good looking exterior. [3320] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#27 037ca8c2-2b04-41c4-b05b-6b8d74ab15c6 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed20/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed20/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Elegant Christmas package has a wooden<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">flap with a lift tab. Tax stamp used legally<br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">but hidden so it didn’t interfere with <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">good looking exterior.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3320]</span></p></div></div> PLEASANT MOMENTS 10/5 small redwood book by El Monte Cigar Company, Fact. 44, 6th District of California. 1930’s [3350] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#28 5e668dbb-4d50-45d1-a0c8-5f3f878d86be http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed50/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed50/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_7"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_10">PLEASANT MOMENTS</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"> </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">10/5 small redwood book<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_7"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">by El Monte Cigar Company, Fact. 44, <br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_7"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">6th District of California. 1930’s</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3350]</span></p></div></div> EL CORT brand produced this Book of Smokes in the late 1930’s. Fact. 244, 1st Calif. Redwood 10/10. [3351] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#29 38b16077-0503-447c-b024-da0a29a48c6e http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed51/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed51/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_8"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_10">EL CORT</span> <span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">brand produced this Book of Smokes<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_8"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">in the late 1930’s. Fact. 244, 1st Calif.<br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_8"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_8">Redwood 10/10.</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3351]</span></p></div></div> Packaging innovator DUTCH MASTERS brings out a modern cardboard book. [3315] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#30 876c019d-dbd0-4acc-9312-c08134714704 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed15/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed15/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">Packaging innovator </span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">DUTCH MASTERS</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"> <br/></span></p><p class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">brings out a modern cardboard book.<br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3315]</span></p></div></div> [3318] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#31 386ba08e-d743-4a82-bcaf-68020dc77729 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed18/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed18/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4"><br/></span></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">[3318]</span></p></div></div> Modern book-shaped box made by Fredman Torres, Boxmaker, for HOYO DE MONTERREY HONDURAS. [11025] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#32 1cf9b443-9b0d-4afc-94d5-143037c13713 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/11025/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/11025/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">Modern book-shaped box made by Fredman Torres, Boxmaker, for <span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">HOYO DE MONTERREY HONDURAS.</span><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">[11025]</p></div></div> Interior of previous. Note magnetic latch. Embossing on coins is simulated. [11026] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#33 97d07f39-c9ca-420e-ad65-3da8ab3a74f2 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/11026/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/11026/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">Interior of previous. Note magnetic latch.<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_9">Embossing on coins is simulated.<br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">[11026]</p></div></div> Selection of four other Torres titles. Any given title may appear in more than one color. The burgandy EXCALIBER above, is red here. This assortment of books is not in the NCM collection. [w00411] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#34 455b0f01-4e80-47cd-ac8e-6e1641366139 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/41_1/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/41_1/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">Selection of four other Torres titles. Any given title may <br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_9">appear in more than one color. The burgandy<br/></p><p class="paragraph_style_9"><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_10">EXCALIBER</span> above, is red here. <span class="style_11">This assortment of books <br/></span></p><p class="paragraph_style_9"><span class="style_11">is not in the NCM collection.</span><br/></p><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_9">[w00411]</p></div></div> 5 book set by American Tobacco for its New Jersey made LA CORONA brand, each 10/5 box holding a different frontmark (size) “especially selected from the fine library of La Corona cigars for Mr. Cyril G. Hetsko, Christmas 1970.” Hard to find. [3319] http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped.html#35 aebb4591-d2c7-4285-9e6e-8682219f10c6 http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed19/thumb.jpg http://cigarhistory.info/Novelty_Boxes/Book-shaped_files/Media/UnNamed19/micro.jpg <div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_307_64"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="Caption"><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">5 book set by American Tobacco for its New Jersey made </span><span style="line-height: 11px; " class="style_5">LA CORONA</span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_12"> </span><span style="line-height: 12px; " class="style_4">brand, each 10/5 box holding a different frontmark (size) “especially selected from the fine library of La Corona cigars for Mr. Cyril G. Hetsko, Christmas 1970.” Hard to find.   [3319]</span></p></div></div>