Mark Twain Cigar Box Wm. Graf & Sons Co. 1901 Series Tax Stamps

This cigar box dates from the Golden Age of cigar manufacturing (1878 – 1909) It has 1 1901 Tax Stamp that exceeds 12″ in length, so dates somewhere between 1901 and 1909. It was produced by Wm. Graf & Sons Co. at Factory # 534 in the 1st District of Wisconsin.

It is in generally good overall condition, but some labels and markings are worn away. Mark Twain’s name and image are emblazoned on the wood on the outside of the lid. There is a color label image of Twain on one end. On the front of the box, Huckleberry Finn is printed on the wood in large letters. Around the edges of top, bottom, sides, and ends are labels that show the name Mark Twain and various book titles, including Puddin-head Wilson, Sketches, Innocents Abroad, Roughing It, The inside of the lid has a nice color image of Twain with his name printed at the top and a facsimile signature at bottom right. The inside sides show remnants of removed labels, and the bottom is bare. The lid feels to be firmly attached. There are no hinges. The lid is attached by cloth that was once covered by a paper label. On the whole, an attractive and interesting cigar box.

#6550