Cigars were very popular during what was considered the golden years for the industry between about 1880 and into the 1920s. Competition was very fierce and manufacturers created incredibly beautiful and colorful labels to make their brand stand out. The processes of embossing and stone lithography were very time consuming, but produced brilliant colors and images that were amazing. Unlike most labels, they used a type of paper that does not darken much with age and holds up well over time. Many of these companies went out of business by the 1930s and the labels were left in the old buildings and factories where they turn up every once in while. You will have a tough time finding them anywhere else at anywhere near these prices. They're a real bargain.
