Cigar Label Art - Masterpieces in Miniature!
A Vanisishing American Art Form
HOW TO TELL AN ORIGINAL STONE PRODUCED CHROMO LITHOGRAPH FROM A MODERN PHOTO-MECHANICALLY PRODUCED LABEL
- Most Cigar Art Labels are heavily embossed with real 24K gold leaf or bronze. Most modern printing is not embossed or gilded.
- All Cigar Art Labels produced from 1880 - 1920 have distinct stipple dots. Learn to recognize stippling. Early 1870's Cigar Art Labels have distinct crayon marks rather than stippling and these labels are not embossed.
- Photomechanical or modem off-set printed labels have only 4 colors and are rarely embossed. Look for the characteristic blurred all uniform size, Multi-colored, extremely fine dots.
- Currently, it is not technically possible (or economically feasible) to reproduce the look, feel and brilliant colors found in real stone produced commercial art. Look closely at as many good examples of Cigar Label Art as you can find. Then compare them with the best modern art printing money can buy. You will see a difference you'll never forget!
Standard Industry terminology refers to labels used on the inside lid of the box, measuring 6 x 9", called ins, or inners. Outside labels, measuring approximately 4 1/4" square are called outs, or outers. When outside labels measure 2 1/2 x 5" they are called end labels. Small ornate oval labels are called seals. Seals were used to cover the cigar box nail.
Cigar Label Terminology with Examples
Outer Label
Stock label (outer)
(Notice blank area for title to be printed later.)
Inner label
Sample label (inner & band)
Top label
Sample label (top sheet & edging)
Top sheet
Can label