Q:         I have a wooden cigarette machine that once dispensed old packs of cigarettes, like Lucky Strike, for 15 cents. It doubles as a magazine rack. I know it was made sometime between 1929 and 1933. The label on it says, “Howard Home Humidor, this humidor and its contents are the property of C.B. Howard Co., Inc.,” and includes an address in New York. What is its value?

A :       Your coin-operated combination cigarette dispenser and magazine rack was probably used in hotel lobbies or other places where a smoker might sit down to read a magazine and have a cigarette. Although it’s called a “Home Humidor,” it’s unlikely someone would have a coin-operated cigarette dispenser in their home. C.B. Howard Co. made at least one other similar dispenser, a combination cigarette machine and end table. These date from about 1931. One sold a year ago for $300.

 

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