Cigar Music Box
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Finding the Right boxes for You
From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.
The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.
Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.
Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How long you can keep cigars in a box depends on whether the box is open. Sealed boxes may keep cigars fresh for a few months. After you open the box, you should smoke the cigars within one month or place them in a humidor to keep them fresh. You'll find a selection of cigar boxes on 1stDibs.
- What is a Polyphon music box?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Polyphon music box is a wooden box that plays small interchangeable metal discs. Polyphon Musikwerke invented the device in 1870 and began producing them for sale in 1897 in Leipzig, Germany. Find a variety of Polyphon music boxes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The box that plays music is called a music box in the U.S. and a musical box in the UK. Early versions date back to the 19th century, and many of them came from factories located in Switzerland. Shop a large selection of antique and vintage music boxes on 1stDibs.
- Are music boxes rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends on the make and model of the music box. To find the value of a music box, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. The value of a music box will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. You’ll find expertly vetted music boxes on 1stDibs.
- What is the best music box?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The best music box for you depends on your preferences for design, size, and music. Music boxes may be intricately carved or brightly-colored, and contain musical themes from famous plays or films. Music boxes can also be musical boxes designed to hold jewelry or other trinkets.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, although whether or not a cigar box can be used as a humidor depends on its design. Only cigar boxes that seal well and are crafted entirely out of wood and lined with cedar should be used as humidors. You will also need to add a humidification device to the box to preserve the freshness of your cigars. On 1stDibs, find a collection of humidors.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell how old a cigar box is, look for the caution notice. Caution notices are required by law but before 1910, they were pasted on the cigar box. After 1910, caution notices were printed directly onto the bottom of the box. Shop a collection of antique cigar boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Regina music boxes have musical information carefully stored on a metal disc. A Regina music box works when the holes in the disc engage with the teeth of a gear that leads to the plucking of a musical comb generating a pleasant sound.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The first music box was likely made in Switzerland around the end of the 18th century. Originally, most music boxes were quite small, but as time went on, larger versions developed. Shop a collection of antique and modern music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are music boxes still made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, music boxes are still made today. A number of artisans continue to produce music boxes by hand. Companies may also mass produce music boxes using machinery. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is an old music box called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An old music box made from snuff boxes during the 18th century is called a carillons à musique. It is a French word meaning "chimes of music." You'll find a selection of antique music boxes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cigar boxes can be made of cardboard, paper and several kinds of wood. Spanish cedar is a popular choice for cigar boxes but mahogany, white oak and elm are also common. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique cigar boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.
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