Rare Cuban Cigar Band Collection Folio.

Item Number: 89057

Rare folio containing nearly 400 Cuban cigar labels, produced during the “Golden Age” of cigar label art. Quarto, bound in full calf by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles to the spine, gilt ruled to the front and rear labels, marbled endpapers. Label brands include Romeo y Juleita, Cuaba, Jose Gener, and La Corona. Full-color portraits featured on a selection of labels include King George V., King Edward VII, and Simon Bolivar. Each label is in near fine to fine condition. A unique example.

The use of cigar bands began in Cuba in the ealry 19th century, primarily in an effort to combat the rising prevalence of fake Cubans produced by competing European manufacturers. Collecting and displaying cigar bands became a popular gentleman's hobby in the early 1900s when an estimated four out of five American men smoked cigars. Cigar manufacturers would often produce single bands and sets featuring full color portraits of prominent political and royal figures often gilt in real gold. The 'Golden Age of cigar label art, between 1880 and 1930 saw production of label art by nearly 300,000 brands.