Expert: James Yee - 7/16/2011

Question
I have been going through my mothers possessions since her passing and have run across a very old Havana cigar in its original tin casing. I'm sure the cigar itself has long run its freshness value, but do you suppose it has any monetary value? I find no date inscribed on the case itself or the cigar wrapper. The tin case has a lot of writing on it including Florida . . Juan De Fuca Morgan Cigar Co. Tampa . . Premiers; blended for mildness . . The Bonded Havana Cigar; The United States Customs Cigars, Manufactured in Bond; Tobacco Imported from Cuba; rolled by hand of long filler at Tampa, Florida; and finally, container made in Italy. Any help you might offer to enlighten me regarding this matter will be appreciated.  Sincerely, Nancy

Answer
Hi Nancy,

If the cigar and container is in good shape, it may be worth something.  It's best to contact a local antique dealer that specializes in "Tobacciana" and have them inspect the cigar in person.  You may also contact a local cigar store that specializes in vintage or antique cigars and they will be able to help you or at least refer you to someone who can.  It's best to find a local dealer/appraiser because they can inspect the cigar in person and assess it properly.

Very old cigars that have not been maintained in a humidor will definitely be dry and unsmokeable.  The good news is that, if the cigar is in excellent condition (having no physical damage) and does not have any mold or tobacco beetle holes, it can be re-humidified back to a smokeable condition.  The cigar may not taste the same after it has been re-humidified (since much of the natural oils has already dried up) but it will increase the value of the cigar.  Collectors are more willing to buy old but properly humidified cigars as opposed to dry and very brittle cigars.

Until you speak with a local expert, it's best that you do not handle the cigar very much.  Dry tobacco is very brittle and fragile and can crack from the slightest touch.  Keep the cigar in it's original container at all times.  If you need to remove the cigar from it's container, handle the cigar as delicately as possible.

Before you attempt to re-hydrate the cigar, I would suggest that you speak with a tobacciana or vintage cigar dealer and have the cigar appraised first.  If the cigar is worth something and you want to re-humidify it, just let me know and I'll be happy to post step-by-step instructions on restoring dry cigars.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James