Cigar culture was once the peak of masculinity. Now, it’s a compelling curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
These days, hand-rolled cigars remain luxury items in themselves — selling for up to $1.3 million per stick — because of their rarity and the artisanal skill required to make them. “Beyond their rich aromas and intricate craftsmanship, cigars evoke a bygone era of elegance and fortitude,” says Alexander Pushkin, founder of Pushkin Antiques, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England.
Accordingly, many of the tools involved in their storage and consumption — cigar humidors and cigar boxes, cigar cutters, cigar lighters and ashtrays — are collected as refined objets d’art.
“People purchase a diverse array of items, which have to be functional and stylish,” Pushkin explains. “Each piece must be beautiful to enhance the overall experience and, equally important, practical to honour the cigar and treat it with the utmost care it deserves.”
A fabulous Louis Vuitton trunk, early 20th Century, with customised interior revealing a cocktail bar and humidor for 300+ cigars. The customisation has been carried out by the finest Italian craftsmen to the highest standard, with first grade microfibre hides, Spanish cedar wood lined interior humidor with sponge humidifying filter and adjustable height / removable shelves.
Reference Number: A5705
19th Century Victorian silver & horn mounted table "gimble" cigar lighter. The large Blackbuck antelope horn is mounted with a silver orb-shaped burner on gimble wivel mechanism, ensuring the light wick is always upright no matter how the lighter is passed or carried, resting on a scroll supports.
Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1895 (U), Maker Edward & Sons.
Reference Number: A6976
A ceramic ashtray by Hermes, made in France in the latter half of the 20th century. These ashtrays have always been very collectable with the vintage models in particular. This one has a lovely cornucopia theme but at the same time typically Hermes; a lovely decorative addition to any home and a nice way to start any collection.
Reference Number: B9546