Tobacco.org

Collectors are hooked on tobacco memorabilia 

From 1870 to about 1930, most American neighborhoods had an atmospheric tobacconist's shop, where men bought cigars, tobacco and smoking accessories -- and played poker in a back room.

A combination store and social club, the shops were outfitted with wall-to-wall mahogany, oak or walnut cabinets. Stocked with wrapped plugs, cigars and cigarette packs, they also held pipes, cut tobacco, lighters and so forth.

Tobacco companies such as Lorillard soon realized that the shops were fertile ground for advertising and so supplied tobacco display cabinets, the better to highlight their wares. That's what our reader has. . . .

FYI: "Tobacco Advertising: The Great Seduction" by Gerard Petrone, M.D. (Schiffer, $49.95) is an excellent social history of the weed and the role of tobacco companies. The book is loaded with art. . . .