Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Cigars Store / Trade Folk Art Wooden Carved Sign. c 1900

About the Item

American Folk art wooden "CIGARS" sign from the 1920's. Great old Store Trade sign. Wood cut to cigar shape. Lettered in Gold Paint. In good conditions, it was a in doors sign. Perfect for any cigar smoker. Cigars History: A cigar is basically dried tobacco leaves that are rolled and wrapped by other tobacco leaves in order to give you a full tobacco smoking experience. Cigars are becoming more popular all around the world recently because they are exposed to a pop culture where a lot of famous people like Michael Jordan and Arnold Schwarzenegger smoke them. In order to understand why cigars have become very well-known, we need to take a good look at their history and where they came from. That way, we can truly understand this pop phenomenon. Here is a brief history of cigars. Origin of Cigars The exact origin of cigars is not entirely known but historians believe that cigars were first invented by the ancient Mayans. The ancient Mayans would collect tobacco leaves and wrap them up in a plantain leave in order to smoke it. An ancient Mayan pot discovered in the 10th century strengthen this theory because of how it depicted a Mayan man who was smoking a cigar. That is why cigars probably date back and originated from the ancient Mayans. Discovery of Cigars by Westerners The ancient Mayans who have a habit of smoking cigars then pass that habit down to their successors. After a while, a westerner named Christopher Columbus came to the New World and discovered tobacco. He was then taught by the local Indians regarding how to smoke tobacco leaves. Columbus and his lieutenants then followed this cigar smoking habit and brought the habit home. It made cigars popular in countries such as Spain and Portugal. Jean Nicot who is a French ambassador to Portugal made cigar smoking quire popular in France. Nicotine is even named after this man. After that, cigar manufacturers in Spain started wrapping their dried tobacco leaves with paper rather than with other leaves. Many companies then started to mass produce cigars to be sold to the market. This is what made cigars popular in their early discovery. A cigar is a popular type of rolled up tobacco leaves that are meant to be smoked. The origin of cigars dates back to the ancient Mayans who first discovered smoking cigars and made it a habit. After the discovery of cigars by westerners, they become increasingly popular all over the world. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1995. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina? In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of high society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns in Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest community of Italians outside of Italy, as it is estimated that 70 percent of the inhabitants have at least one Italian descendant, followed by Spanish immigrants. The most Important furniture stores in Argentina: Comte is founded in 1934 (under the direct management of Jean Michel Frank in 1940). Nordiska (Swedish company established in 1934). Churba in 1960, a company that brought foreign designers to present their furniture in the country: Denmark: (Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Bender Madsen, Ejner Larsen, Poul Kjaerholm, Hans Wegner) Sweden: (Hans Agne Jakobsson, Gustavsberg) United States: (Herman Miller) Finland: (Lisa Johansson, Folke Arstrom, Tapio Wirkkala, Alvar Aalto, Timo Sarpaneva) Swedish Factory: (Orrefors) Italy: (Littala, Vico Magistretti, Emma Gismondi, Gae Aulenti, Angelo Mangiarotti, Elio Martinelli, Gianna Celada, Angelo Mangiarotti, Mario Bellini, Carlo Scarpa) Finland: (Olivia Toikka) Plata Lappas (Lappas Silver): a goldsmith shop founded in 1887 in Argentina by Alcibiades Lappas of Greek origin. In 2019, in Argentina took place “the Art Deco world congress” . Argentina currently has more than 100 Art Deco buildings and another 90 Art Nouveau buildings throughout the city of Buenos Aires. Argentina is a country that has not been involved in many wars, which is why it has been a refuge for works of art and antiques from different periods of time, unlike European countries. That is way many collectors, museums and antique dealers from all over the world visit it, you should not miss the opportunity to visit this great country.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.34 in (28.8 cm)Width: 51.58 in (131 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Hand-Carved,Polychromed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. some wax as to give it some brightness.
  • Seller Location:
    Buenos Aires, AR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2027326880342

More From This Seller

View All
18th Century Carved Wooden Representing Christ on the Cross Folk Art
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Latin American 1700s wooden crucifix. Carved face and body features. Beautiful patina. Jesus on the Cross Folk Art. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and V...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Paraguayan Folk Art Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Austrian Bronze Bear Cigar Cutter, ca 1900´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
A solid bronze bear sculpture desktop cigar cutter manufactured in Austria. The scissor action steel blades are remove-able form the mouth of the roaring bear. Excellent condition. S...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Desk Equestrian Horse Racing Cigar Smoking Box, circa 1900s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Equestrian cigar box with space for matches. Perfect desk piece. Engraved with racing horses. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 19...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass

Wooden Phrenology Head Advertising Store Display Model Folk Art Americana
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Carved and painted wooden phrenology head Store display advertising model. Phrenology bust by unknown wood carver, circa 1870. Perfect to decorate a Do...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American American Craftsman Sculptures and Car...

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand. We have...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Giant Advertising Cigar Statue / Bar Lounge / Cigars
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Giant Advertising Cigar Statue / Bar Lounge / Cigars. Large Cigar Tobacco Trade Sign Cigars, made of wood with an iron and brass support. Fantastic Folk Art Sculpture. This is a Gian...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

You May Also Like

1950 Vintage American Folk Art Band Stand Hand Painted Goofy Jazz Music Stand
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand painted band stand folding music stand, circa 1950s. Great folk art design and Goofy dog painted. Possibly from the Jazz Mill in Phoenix. Great wall han...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Folk Art Signs

Materials

Composition, Metal

Lavishly-Filled German Wooden Grocery Dollhouse Store Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful grocery shop room box, painted and stained wood with lithographed wall and floor papers, side stair case and upper gallery, some drawers on rear w...
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric, Wood

Vintage California Historical Landmark Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Interesting vintage California highway sign for Adobe Rios-Caledonia. This is a California historical landmark and on the National Register of...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Signs

Materials

Steel

Monumental Porcelain Roadside Rest Highway Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Super rare vintage porcelain highway sign. Great green coloring with white lettering. Retired highway sign letting drivers know there is a place to pull o...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Signs

Materials

Steel

Folk Art Wooden Hand Carved and Painted WW2 Lancaster Bomber Model Airplane
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This handcrafted Folk Art model of a Lancaster Bomber is signed on the base, but the artist could not be identified so is posted as Unknown. This wooden airplane model...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Aviation Objects

Materials

Softwood

Matched Pair of Edwardian Milk Glass Shop Signs
Located in London, GB
Matched pair of Edwardian milk glass shop signs. We share what we love, and we love this rare, matched pair of Edwardian milk glass shop signs. One stating “All kinds of repairs” ...
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Milk Glass

Recently Viewed

View All