Antique Cigar Holder
An antique cigar holder protects and presents the smoker's daily leaf, ranging from pocket cases to desktop cabinets.
Antique Cigar Holder
An antique cigar holder encompasses pocket cases, individual mouthpieces, and larger desktop smoking accessories. The items seen in this collection range from slim silver tubes to substantial leather folios and wooden cabinets.
Pocket versions dominate the selection, including sterling silver designs shaped like torpedoes or double-ended cigars alongside crocodile skin pouches. Tabletop pieces, such as floor-standing mahogany stands and silver compendiums on wheels, appear less frequently.
The materials reflect the tastes of the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, combining precious metals with organic substances like amber and leather.
Materials and Construction
Silversmiths constructed cases from sterling silver and silver gilt, frequently employing engine-turning, reeded designs, and hand engraving to ornament the exterior. Gold mounts and 9ct gold components appear alongside these silver pieces to secure amber mouthpieces.
Natural hides such as crocodile leather and standard leather provide structural rigidity and texture, often shaped into book forms or fitted interiors. Amber, meerschaum carved with motifs like hunting dogs, and burr walnut are utilised for specific accessories and cabinets.
Antique Cigar Holder Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for cigar holder among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Several Victorian smokers kept their leaves in silver compendiums shaped entirely like fire carriages resting on small rolling wheels.
Assessing Quality and Execution
Quality rests upon the crispness of the chased or engine-turned decoration on the metal and the secure fit of the hinges and clasps. Heavy gauge silver and well-preserved hallmarks indicate superior original manufacture.
The integrity of organic materials dictates worth, seen in unblemished amber mouthpieces and intact crocodile skin without splitting. Maker attribution to notable workshops elevates specific examples above standard production.
Sampson Mordan and Co·Alfred Dunhill·Edward Edwards·Zimmerman
The Antique Cigar Holder Glossary
- Vesta Case
- A small pocket box originally designed for holding wax matches. These frequently accompany smoking accessories and share similar engraved motifs.
- Cheroot Holder
- A small mouthpiece designed to hold a truncated cigar while smoking. They are often mounted in gold and carved from amber or meerschaum.
- Silver Gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold on its surface. This technique provides a rich internal finish to cigar cases.
- Engine Turned
- A geometric pattern mechanically engraved into metal surfaces using a rose engine lathe. This decoration provides texture and conceals minor surface wear.
- Meerschaum
- A soft white mineral carved into smoking pipes and mouthpieces. It absorbs nicotine and colours to a deep amber hue with use.
Antique Cigar Holder: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an antique cigar holder?
An antique cigar holder refers to personal pocket cases designed to keep cheroots or cigars intact, or mouthpieces used while smoking.
They range from compact silver tubes to leather pouches and desktop wooden cabinets dating from the Georgian period to the early twentieth century.
How do I identify a Victorian cigar case?
Victorian examples often feature sterling silver construction, distinct British hallmarks, and decorative techniques like engine-turning or repoussé work. Many incorporate fitted leather linings or novel shapes mimicking double-ended cigars.
Makers from this era frequently stamped their initials or full names into the silver panels, aiding date identification.
Can I use an antique cigar case daily?
Many solid silver and leather cases remain robust enough for modern pocket use, provided the hinges and clasps function correctly. Care must be taken with delicate mouthpieces made of amber or carved meerschaum.
Regular gentle cleaning preserves the metalwork and organic materials without damaging the original finish.
What materials were used for these holders?
Makers utilised sterling silver, silver gilt, and 9ct gold alongside natural materials like crocodile leather, standard leather, and mahogany. Mouthpieces typically incorporate amber or meerschaum.
Desktop items also feature brass mounts, glass components, and burr walnut veneer.