Traiser Appraisal

Antique H. Traiser & Co. Harvard and Pippins Dual Cigar Humidor Display Case

This is an authentic early 20th-century countertop cigar display case, commonly utilized in general stores or tobacco shops to offer loose cigars for individual sale. The unit features a dual-tiered, sloping design constructed from a combination of industrial metal framing (likely nickel-plated brass or steel) and clear glass panes. The lower section showcases Harvard 10-cent cigars, while the upper hinged section advertises Pippins 5-cent cigars. The side panels and front display vibrant lithographed paper inserts under glass, featuring the portrait of a man for the Harvard brand and decorative typography for Pippins. Per the user context, the reverse side is marked 'Property of H. Traiser & Co.', indicating it was a company-owned piece of store advertising equipment from the Boston-based manufacturer. The frame shows significant patina, oxidation, and surface wear consistent with age, while the interior paper displays typical yellowing but retains strong color. The glass appears intact without major cracks, though some surface scratching is visible. Its mechanical hinge allows for easy customer or clerk access to the product within. This piece represents a transition from simple wooden cigar boxes to dedicated branded point-of-sale displays in the late 19th to early 20th century.