Expert: James Yee - 9/10/2008

Question
Hi James,
A few years ago my granddad passed away and we have since sat on his his small left-over collection of cigars.  Their age may well go back 50 years - the Penamils have 1973 printed on the base of the box which makes me wonder how old some of the others may be - but I am pretty certain they are of very high quality, him having been a director of Heinz and having received these boxes as presents from the company, and its clients.  We have two 25 boxes of Montecristo (one of No.3s and one of No.4s) both with only a few taken out; one 25 box of La Flor De Henry Clay (2 missing); one half smoked box of Penamil no.2s; and finally, what looks like quite a luxury 25 box of Partagas no.77s, unopened!
Is it possible to put a value against this lot? Is there a market for them if rehydrated? Or is their value purely personal and family nostalgic? Any light shed on this collection of antique cigars would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

That sounds like a great collection of cigars.  To answer your question, there is always a market for rare and vintage cigars so what you should do is contact an antique dealer that specializes in vintage cigars or "tobacciana" and they will examine your cigars and provide a proper assessment.  In most cases, vintage tobacciana dealers can refer you to a private buyer/collector but for truly rare/vintage cigars, you may find your cigars going to auction at Sotheby's or Christie's. :)

Vintage cigars are worth more if they have been properly humidified but I wouldn't recommend that you restore your cigars yet.  In some cases, rehumidification can actually damage a vintage cigar (especially if it's extremely brittle and packed tightly in a box) so it's always best to contact a tobacciana dealer first and see what he/she recommends.

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James