A humidor is a box, cabinet or room designed to store cigars at a constant level of humidity, so that they neither dry out nor become damp. Antique and vintage humidors are typically wooden boxes lined with Spanish cedar, which helps to regulate moisture and imparts a pleasant aroma, fitted with a close-fitting lid and often a humidifying device.
Humidors became fashionable in the later nineteenth century as cigar smoking spread among gentlemen, and they were made for smoking rooms, libraries and clubs. Examples range from simple mahogany or walnut boxes to elaborate tabletop cabinets with brass or silver mounts, inlaid decoration, locks and trays, as well as silver-mounted presentation pieces. Retailers and tobacconists such as Dunhill supplied high-quality humidors, and some carry retailer's marks or presentation inscriptions. Collectors look for a sound, well-fitting lid that seals properly, original cedar lining, intact hinges and locks, and attractive veneers. Cracking from dryness and water staining are common issues. Antique humidors remain practical for cigar enthusiasts, while others are used decoratively on desks and in libraries as handsome boxes in their own right.
