Placement of Cigar-Box Art Labels & Trimmings

by Wayne Dunn

INNER (I) Label (large size) put on the inside lid of the cigar box. ( 6" X 9" typical size)

OUTER (O) Label average size (4" X 4") is any label placed on the outside of the cigar box (used on boxes of 100 cigars).

TOP SHEET (TS) (average size 5" X 8") is a label-like piece of paper which was placed on top of the cigars to protect the cigars from the lid. Top Sheets are usually less ornate than the inner label.

TOP LABEL / TOP WRAP (TL/TW) (average size 5" X 8") is a label covering the outside top of the box. It usually has the appearance of wood grain and was used on cardboard boxes to give the appearance of a wood box.

END, FRONT & BACK LABELS Used to cover the cigar box exterior and allow the seller to identify brand name.

NAIL TAGS (Seals) Small lithographed seal glued on the lid and front of box covering nail to prevent tampering of contents.

FLAPS Label glued inside box to partially cover cigars.

CAN LABELS Labels used to cover cigars packaged in tins (usually 3 ¾" X 18").

SAMPLE LABELS (SMP) Sample labels usually have lithographers name, address & label prices on front of label.

STOCK Labels have no titles. Custom titles could be printed in later by local printers, thus saving money.

PROOF LABELS (PR) Most proof labels are rare. Proof labels are usually not embossed and have a series of crosses or registration marks used to align paper to each stone and color used. Most desirable proofs have color bars at the top or bottom sides showing color number and sequence of each color used. All proofs are rare since lithographer only pulled 4 - 6 proofs to check an entire run of 1000’s of labels.

PROGRESSIVE PROOF BOOKS (PRB) Proof book shows a separate page for every color & stone used and how the lithographer progressed up to the finished label.