French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Cigar Box
Humidors and cigar boxes.
Boxes & Smoking · Indicative US retail $20–$500
At a glance
- Family: Boxes & Smoking
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1880 to 1960.
- Typical price: about $80; range $20 to $500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Material
What it is
Cigar boxes and humidors kept cigars fresh at the right humidity. Mahogany, rosewood and burr-walnut humidors with cedar linings, brass or mother-of-pearl inlay, silver plaques and hygrometers stood in gentlemen's libraries; tobacconists used large painted shop humidors; printed cedar cigar boxes from Havana makers are collected for their labels. French faience tobacco jars (pots à tabac) and smoking stands with ashtrays belong to the same world.
How to identify and date it
Cedar linings with their characteristic aroma, inlaid lids, silver plaques, original keys and working hygrometers add value. Check for cracks in the lid, lifting veneer, loose hinges and a lining that has dried out or been replaced. Seal and hinge quality determine whether the box can still be used as a humidor.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1880 to 1960.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most cigar box examples ask around $80. Simple or worn pieces start near $20, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $500. The main value drivers are: material. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: old wooden cigar boxes value; old cigar boxes value; value of old cigar boxes; value old cigar boxes. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check lining and hinges
- Inspect veneer and inlay
- Test the seal
Living with it
A humidor on a desk holds pens, cards, letters or watches; a stack of printed cigar boxes adds color to a shelf.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.