Glass Cigar Jars

Recently I came across these three glass cigar jars and that got me to thinking about how and when they were used. I began by googling the information embossed on the bottom of each jar.

I soon learned that the jar on the right was connected to the R.J. Reynolds Co. in North Carolina so I searched on the company and found that Richard Joshua Reynolds at the tender age of 25 left the family farm to strike out on his own. He established his tobacco company in 1875 in Winston, North Carolina ( Winston & Salem were separate towns at that time).

I also learned that these jars were used before 1900 in General Stores and Saloons to hold and display cigars. That was before humidors and all the sophistication now employed to maintain cigars today. They would of had paper labels attached around them and a cork liner to seal the lid. Those items are long gone but what remains is the history of where and during what time period these jars were used.

I can imagine walking into a saloon and there on the back bar sat such a jar with its colorful label full of the finest cigars west of the Mississippi. A cowboy would saunter up to the bar and order a beer or a whiskey and a cigar. Taking a drink and puffing on his cigar as the piano music played and the saloon girls danced around he had to feel like he had died and gone to heaven.

If you know what I'm talking about and you have a saloon in your basement this may be just one of many items needed to recreate the atmosphere of that "Old West Saloon".

We at Old West Antiques enjoy talking about collectibles and in particular Old West items so don't hesitate to email us or give us a call.

p.s. keep in mind that Old West Antiques would love to talk to you about listing your items.

p.s.s. we can also provide a seasoned group of Old West Reenactors for your upcoming events

tag: Glass Cigar Jars