Cigar band

Although origins of the device are the subject of several legends, modern historians credit a European immigrant to Cuba named Gustave Bock with invention of the cigar band in the 1830s.

Their use remains very much a part of modern cigar production, with a recent trend towards larger and more elaborate designs in evidence.

[1] Similarly, tales have been told of paper bands used on cigars exported to England to prevent the staining of gentlemen's white gloves.

With the cost of production of cigar bands approximately 70 cents per thousand, the use of colorful maker's marks became an important tool for building brand identities.

The bands and box art printed from 1890 to 1920 are today considered to be a product of the "Golden Age" of cigar-related artwork.

In Great Britain bands have been traditionally removed, the retention of the brand names being commonly considered a form of impolite boasting by one smoker amongst his fellows.