First Annual Survey Results

by Ed Barnes

I had a very good response to this survey. I hope you will learn a little about what gazette readers are collecting. I found the results surprising and interesting. I would like to thank all the readers that responded. Your comments will shape what goes into future issues of the gazette.

How long have you collected cigar labels? 4 years average

How did you get started? Accident, Long Beach Show, from friend, Sid Emerson, grad from fruit crate labels, antique show, bought collection, Cerebro’s ad in Linn’s stamp news, Antique store, and Joe Davidson’s book.

Do you specialize your collection? 90% No 10% Yes

Do you collect cigar bands? 66% No 33% yes

Do You Collect Sample Labels? 75% Yes Proofs? 58% Yes Sample Books? 33% Yes

Do you collect textual cigar labels? 67% Yes

How many different labels are in your collection? Range 35 to 20,000 and one person responded "not enough."

Do you collect only inners, outers, or both? 100% collect both inners and outers. Some also collect trimmings, seals, ends and tags too,

Where do you buy most of your cigar labels? The most common answer is anywhere I can get them. Other answers included: antique stores, mail order, Shows, dealers, and catalogs. This shows that collectors are very resourceful indeed.

Do you smoke cigars? 23% Yes 77% No

Are you interested in writing articles? 15% Yes 85% No

Do you Buy Labels in Auctions? 77% Yes 23% No

Average Age: 53 Years 71% Male and 29% Female

Do you collect cigar boxes? 46% Yes 54% No

Average Income range: 50 to 75 thousand dollars

Top 20 Cigar Labels

Gold Hunter
Club House
Forest
Frontier
Dante
Bull Points
Cuban Cousins
Lone Trail
Round-Up
Sunset Club
Cupid's Best
Honor Et Patrica
The Havana Post
Ben-Hur
Best Bower
Bouncer
Dulces De Cuba
Flag Beauty
Idaho
Nickel Boom