Rare Antique 1870s 100-Count Wood Cigar Box with Heppenheimer Paper Label circa 1878-1879

{HISTORY}

Just how much can one box tell you about history? As it turns out, in this case, quite a bit!

A rare find among antique cigar boxes, this large 100-count wood box features an assortment of paper labels, stamps, and markings that date to the 1870s. Let's look at all the details it includes:

•  A colorful paper label on one end of the box features a stone lithography portrait of a woman with a come-hither glance. Designed by Frederick Heppenheimer, a highly skilled printmaker and lithography based in NYC in the mid-to-late 19th century, this label is dated 1871 below the portrait. 
•  A paper label on the exterior lid that reads Medallion Manufactured of the Choicest Select ____ (illegible) of Havana Tobacco
•  A blue paper label wraps around the front, top, and backside of the box, displaying the revenue tax stamp for 100 cigars and featuring a portrait of U.S. senator Henry Clay (1777-1852) with a date marked 187_ (ripped label prevents seeing the full year). Henry first appeared on cigar tax stamps in 1878. 
• A paper label on the bottom of the box bears its recipient's name, C.A. Davis & Co, which was a retail shop in coastal Maine.
• Directly under the retailer label is another paper label notice that reads Factory 88, 1st Collection District, State of Maine, Yarmouth, Maine. Below that: The manufacturer of the Cigars herein contained has complied with all of the requirements of the law. Every person is cautioned under the penalties of the law not to use this box for Cigars again. 
• A rusty red paper stripe frames each panel of the box adding color on all sides of the box.

In addition to these paper labels, there are also several stamped markings. One is a word that is illegible, the other, squiggly lines cancelling out the tax revenue stamp, and the third is a branded and stamped mark that reads E. Raynes 1st DIS, whom we suspect was the tax inspector for the box since his handwritten signature also apeears on the tax stamp.

Included on the inside of the box is the the original plain paper lining. That was the standard interior packaging style utilized before wooden cigar boxes became standalone display cases showcasing colorful advertising labels on the inside of the lid. 

Hard-to-find these days with the Heppenheimer portrait label and the plain interior paper label still intact, this box is a lovely representative of antique cigar box packaging and advertising. Its large size offers ample storage for modern-day practical use, although the interior paper is fragile, so we wouldn't recommend storing ny itewms in here that might cause the paper to tear. We also love this box for display purposes, as the exterior has such a beautifully aged aesthetic. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find packaging style
• Contains six distinct exterior paper labels 
• Lined with plain paper on the interior 
• Colors include rusty red, grey-blue, navy blue, beige, lemon yellow, chestnut, tangerine, and black
• Cedar wood

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this box is strong and sturdy. The Medallion and Heppenheimer paper labels are in fragile condition indicative of age, but are not in danger of falling off.

The lifted areas of each label can be secured with archival, acid-free glue, which we are happy to apply. If you'd like this option, please include that request in the notes area on the checkout page. The lid is attached to the box with cloth tape. The interior paper lining is securely attached. There are a few interior spots and stains on the paper, but overall the lining is fully intact and in great shape. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.25" inches (length) x 5.25" inches (width) x 4.5" inches (height) and weighs 9 oz.