The Smoking Gun (or cigar)

Earlier in the year (2012) I attended a local auction and came across two cigars.  Each measures near 14”/35cm and neither will I smoke.  I bid on them because of their novelty – their sheer size made them unique to me – so I took a shot and made some bids.  I purchased each for $5.00.

They have remained in their individual wooden boxes since my purchase, tucked away in a drawer in my parents’ old china cabinet that now stands in the corner of our living room.  Only recently have I started to look for more information about them, and I am coming up with little, so I am hoping my readers can help.

Here’s what I know so far:

Vieil Anvers – Oud Antwerpen

In 1868 Theophiel Verellen opened a tobacco cutting factory in Antwerp, Belgium.  He had one machine but as the company prospered, his brothers entered the business to help support the growth.  In 1894, the aforementioned cigar won first prize at the World Exhibition in Antwerp and the company boasted success like they hadn’t seen before.

As with every company, it has had it’s ups and downs with lay offs and periodic closures.  The company, however, continues to operate.  Since 1993, fifth generation growers, Erik and Frank Verellen, have been at the company helm.  Each brother has worked in every company position so they know their trade.

I have not been able to locate any information specifically on this cigar, but have found it listed online on a European site with the following description (translated to English using Google Translate):

Old cigar Old Antwerp Antwerpen Oud 34.5 cm in its green wood with green velvet cover inside very very well preserved it is also equipped with its ring, also sells cigar etui Old Antwerp Antwerpen oud wood interior red velvet cover with his cigar initiated without the ring sold 25 euros.

Asking 350 euros

This cigar has remained in it’s clear plastic sleeve, in the wooden box with the red velvet lid liner and has retained it’s tobacco smell, albeit a tad musty.  The out side of the box along the front reads “LONG-FELLOW” and there is a small gold-coloured clasp.

The cigar band features a poetic-looking man on a yellow background surrounded by gold-coloured framing,  There is a small black shield with a lion, topped with a crown.  A yellow banner below the picture reads “CHOISI.”  The right side of the band also reads “ANTWERP.” There is also a small pricing band below the cigar band that reads Fr. 50.00 (approx. $55). 

I wouldn’t light this one up.  It’s too dry and I don’t even have a cutter that large!

La Tour Du Monde

I have not been able to locate any specific information on the cigar or the company.

The cigar band features a colour photo of a brunette woman, surrounded by a blue and gold frame throughout.  On the left and right side of the band there is a German flag.  On the backside of the band it reads “MORRITA” and the price band may read “50” although it isn’t entirely clear.  The bottom of the box reads Fr. 60 which seems to correspond with the sticker on the inside of the lid that also reads 60-.

The cigar is now quite dry and has held no noticeable aroma.  Lighting it would likely result in serious facial burns as the lit end races toward your face.

If anyone has information, I’d love to hear from you to help me solve the mystery.

CT