Cigar Store Figures: Carved Tobacco Trade Signs
Cigar store figures are carved wooden trade signs that stood outside tobacco shops from the mid-18th through early 20th centuries. The most iconic form is the "cigar store Indian," though figures also depicted Turks, Highlanders, Columbias, Punches, and other characters. Carved primarily from white pine or poplar and standing 3 to 6 feet tall, these figures represent one of the most important categories of American folk art and command strong prices at auction.
History and Origins
- 1700s: Earliest American tobacconist figures appeared in the mid-1700s, adapted from English "Black Boy" tobacco shop signs
- 1850-1890: Golden age of production; New York City was the center, with dozens of carving shops active simultaneously
- 1890s-1910s: Municipal anti-obstruction ordinances gradually forced figures off sidewalks, ending the tradition
- Major carvers include Thomas V. Brooks, Samuel Robb, William Demuth, and Charles J. Dodge, all based in New York
Types and Forms
- Indian Chief/Princess: Most common form; typically holding a bundle of cigars or tobacco leaves
- Turk/Sultan: Wearing a turban and robes, often holding a pipe; second most popular form
- Scottish Highlander: In kilt and tam, associated with snuff sales
- Punch: Hunchback figure from Punch and Judy; common in English shops
- Columbia/Liberty: Female patriotic figure, less common and highly prized
- Counter-top figures: Smaller versions (12-24 inches) used inside shops
Auction Price Ranges
| Type | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Attributed major carver | Thomas Brooks or Samuel Robb Indian | $100,000 - $500,000+ |
| Unattributed full-size Indian | Good original paint, 5-6 ft | $30,000 - $150,000 |
| Full-size Turk or Highlander | Original condition | $25,000 - $100,000 |
| Counter-top figure | 18-24 inches, original paint | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Late 19th-century reproduction | Cast zinc or composition | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| 20th-century carved copy | Tourist trade or decorator piece | $500 - $3,000 |
Condition and Authenticity
- Original paint is the single most important value factor; figures with original polychrome bring multiples over stripped or repainted examples
- Wood shrinkage: Genuine period figures show natural cracks along the grain, particularly in arms and headdresses
- Construction: Look for hand-forged nails or wooden pegs; machine screws suggest later work
- Repairs: Replaced arms, hands, or tobacco bundle reduce value 25-50%
- Surface: Tool marks from gouges and chisels should be visible under paint layers on authentic pieces
Collecting Tips
- Provenance matters enormously -- figures documented to a specific shop or city command premiums
- Attribution to a known carver can multiply value 5-10 times; study the distinctive styles of Brooks, Robb, and Demuth
- Beware reproductions -- Bali and Indonesian carvings are commonly aged and sold as period pieces
- Museum references: The Heritage Plantation (Sandwich, MA) and Shelburne Museum have important collections for comparison
- Insurance: Given values often exceeding $50,000, professional appraisal and fine art insurance coverage are essential
- Figures that retain their original metal or wooden base platform are more desirable than those separated from their stands