Overview
A classic cardboard and paper-wrapped 50-count American cigar box featuring a lithographed portrait inner lid label for R. G. Dun 'Bouquet' cigars, priced at 2 for 25 cents.
Identification
Vintage R.G. Dun Bouquet 50-Count Cigar Box, c. 1940s–1950s
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Story
Produced for the Bernard Schwartz Cigar Corp., which operated factories in Ohio and Michigan, R. G. Dun was a popular mid-20th-century American cigar brand. The 'Bouquet' line was a standard offering, typically priced at 2 for 25 cents during the 1940s and 1950s. These boxes feature classic lithographed inner labels that reflect the commercial art and advertising styles of the post-war era. Vintage cigar boxes are a staple of the secondary collectibles market, often purchased for rustic decor, crafting, or small storage.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes the inside lithograph is clean with no rips, which is a strong positive for display value. However, the exterior suffers from 'lots of wear on edges and bottom,' which is common for paper-wrapped cardboard boxes of this age and limits its appeal to mint-condition collectors.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
Vintage cigar boxes are a staple of the secondary collectibles market, often purchased for rustic decor, crafting, or small storage. The market is highly saturated, meaning only exceptional examples—such as those with rare brands, mint condition, or unique display features—command premium prices. Standard cardboard and paper-wrapped boxes from mid-century American brands like R. G. Dun typically move steadily but at accessible, entry-level price points on platforms like eBay or Etsy.
Value Drivers
▲ Clean interior lithograph with no rips preserves the primary display appeal
▲ Recognizable mid-century American brand (R. G. Dun) appeals to general tobacciana collectors
▲ Intact hinged lid allows for functional repurposing (e. g., stash box or craft storage)
Concerns
▼ Heavy wear on the exterior edges and bottom limits crossover appeal to mint-condition collectors
▼ Missing original tax stamp removes a key dating and authenticity feature for purists
▼ High market saturation of mid-century cigar boxes suppresses individual item values
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, targeting buyers looking for vintage tobacciana or rustic decor. Highlight the clean interior lithograph in the primary listing photo, as this is the main selling point. Given the low individual value and high shipping costs relative to the item's price, consider bundling this with other vintage cigar boxes or tobacciana items to attract lot buyers.
Upside Potential
If the box is bundled with similar vintage tobacciana items to offset shipping costs, the combined lot could exceed this individual valuation. Otherwise, the heavy exterior wear firmly caps the upside for this single piece.