Antique Humidor for Cigars or Fountain Pen Collection. France, circa 1900

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Antique Cigar Humidor or Fountain Pen Collection Case. France, circa 1900

Magnificent antique cigar humidor or case for storing a collection of fountain pens, from France and made circa 1900. This small piece of furniture is crafted from various types of wood: the body is made of solid cherry, while the cigar trays are made of mahogany. The humidor is strikingly eye-catching due to its magnificent decorative carving. The doors, sides, and drawer are decorated with high reliefs of flowers on dotted backgrounds, framed by mouldings. At the top is a magnificent freestanding carving depicting a wild bird with two chicks: the piece is executed with great skill and ease, characteristics that reveal the hand of a talented artist.

The bird crowning the humidor has a small repair on its neck. This is a minor detail that barely stands out against the pieces magnificent presence. The humidor stands on four carved legs and features a lower front drawer. Above the drawer is the cigar compartment, equipped with six removable mahogany trays with slots for holding cigars or fountain pens. The lock on the two doors that close the front is original to the period and is in working order.

This impressive antique humidor for cigars or a fountain pen collection is a gem of woodcraft, nearly a century old.

Dimensions: Width: 27 cm. Height: 38 cm. Depth: 18 cm.

Humidor History

A humidor is a small piece of furniture or container designed to preserve cigars at the perfect humidity level. When it takes the form of a piece of furniture, it also serves to display fountain pen collections in an elegant and functional way. Before the 18th century, most Europeans smoked pipes; cigars did not really become popular until the 19th century. It is believed that the first humidor cabinet was created by the Irish cabinetmaker Terence Manning, who imported exotic woods and cabinetmaking techniques from South Africa in 1887. His family business became famous for its handcrafted humidors, while his construction techniques spread throughout Europe and the Americas. Another pioneer in this field was Zino Davidoff, the first person to build a humidor cellar. The Davidoff family was in the cigar business, so they had to design a structure to store them at the ideal temperature. It is believed that this cellar was built in the early 20th century.