Tobacco Memorabilia Collecting: From Ashtrays to Zippos, How to Build a Collection

Why Collect Tobacco Memorabilia?

If you’re looking for an interesting and unique hobby, consider collecting tobacco memorabilia! Tobacco has a long, rich history and the related advertising and products are highly collectible.

People have used tobacco for thousands of years and it has played a major role in culture, politics, and daily life around the world. As a result, so many different types of tobacco-related items have been produced, from pipes and ashtrays to signs and tins.

Collecting tobacco memorabilia is a great way to own a piece of history. Many of the most sought-after pieces are from the late 1800s to mid 1900s, the “golden age” of tobacco, and feature beautiful artwork and designs that aren’t made anymore.

You can focus your collection on certain eras, brands, or types of items that interest you most. The diversity means you can really personalize your collection.

Tobacco collectibles also don’t take up too much space compared to larger items like furniture or cars. You can display your favorites and keep the rest tucked away in boxes until you’re ready to rotate them.

Is It Wrong to Collect Tobacco Items?

In a word, no!

Some people might feel uncomfortable collecting tobacco memorabilia due to the known health risks of smoking. However, collecting the items isn’t the same as endorsing their use.

Many tobacco collectibles are valued for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and design, rather than for the products they contained. You can appreciate the artistry and nostalgia without advocating for smoking.

Plenty of museums have tobacco-related objects in their collections to educate the public about the role tobacco has played in our culture over time. Your collection can serve a similar purpose on a smaller scale.

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision whether you feel okay about owning tobacco memorabilia. If it doesn’t sit right with you, there are plenty of other interesting things to collect instead!

What Kinds of Tobacco Memorabilia Can You Collect?

The world of tobacco collectibles is vast and diverse. Here are some of the main categories to consider:

Advertising Signs

Tobacco companies used to advertise heavily with signs, posters, and displays. You can find signs made of tin, porcelain, cardboard, and other materials featuring colorful graphics and slogans for various brands.

Pipes

People have smoked pipes for centuries, so there are many different types and styles to collect, from simple corn cob pipes to ornate Meerschaums carved into intricate designs.

Cigarette Packs

The iconic packaging designs of cigarette brands like Lucky Strike and Camel make the empty packs popular to collect. Older packs from the early 20th century are especially prized.

Ashtrays

Most people don’t use ashtrays anymore, but vintage ashtrays can be beautiful decorative pieces. Many are made of glass, ceramic, or metal and feature advertising for specific tobacco brands.

Lighters

Lighters are another practical item that can be highly collectible, especially vintage ones made by brands like Zippo and Ronson. Some were sold by tobacco companies and have their logos on them.

Cigar Boxes

Cigar boxes are prized for their colorful labels with vivid artwork. Older boxes made of wood are more collectible than the modern cardboard ones. Many people repurpose them for storage or craft projects too.

How to Start Collecting Tobacco Memorabilia

Starting a collection of vintage tobacco items is easy – just start looking for pieces that catch your eye and fit your budget! There are collectibles in every price range, from a few dollars to a few thousand.

A good place to start is flea markets, antique shops, estate sales, and garage sales. You can find a wide variety of items at these places and prices are often negotiable. Just be sure to examine pieces carefully for damage before buying.

Online marketplaces like eBay are another great source for tobacco collectibles from all over the world. The selection is huge and it’s easy to comparison shop. Check the seller’s feedback before buying and look closely at photos for condition issues.

The more you explore, the more you’ll learn about the types of tobacciana that appeal to you most. Maybe you love the look of antique tins or are drawn to items with a certain color scheme. Over time, your collection will start to reflect your personal taste and interests.

Building Your Collection on a Budget

Collecting tobacco memorabilia doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. While some rare pieces can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, many others can be found for cheap. Here are some tips for building your collection affordably:

Reproductions

Some reproduction pieces are so well made that they look nearly identical to the real thing but cost a fraction of the price. As long as you know it’s a reproduction, these can be great placeholders until you find an original.

Damaged Items

Pieces with rust, chips, cracks, or other damage are often heavily discounted. If the damage isn’t too severe, you may be able to restore it yourself. Or you might even like the worn patina and character it adds!

Lesser Known Brands

Items from big brands like Marlboro tend to be pricier than those from smaller or regional brands. You can find some beautiful designs and unique pieces if you look beyond the most popular brands.

Bulk Lots

Buying large lots of assorted tobacciana can be a cost effective way to grow your collection quickly. You might not love every piece, but you can resell the extras or trade with other collectors for items you want more.

Patience!

Don’t feel like you need to buy every interesting piece you see right away. If an item is out of your budget, wait and keep looking – you may find it or something similar for a better price in the future.

Building your collection slowly over time is part of the fun. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and don’t worry about acquiring things too quickly.

Rare and Valuable Tobacco Collectibles

While most tobacco collectibles are relatively affordable, some rare pieces can be quite valuable. Here are a few examples of highly sought after items and their estimated values:

Keep in mind these are just estimates based on past sales and the actual value can vary widely based on the specific item’s condition, rarity, and desirability.

Most collectors aren’t lucky enough to stumble upon pieces like this, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t have anything nearly this valuable. The joy of collecting isn’t really about the money anyway – it’s about finding pieces you love and enjoying the process of building your collection over time.

Displaying Your Tobacco Collectibles

Of course, the best part of collecting tobacco memorabilia is getting to show it off! There are many creative ways to display your collection, depending on the type and size of the items you have. Here are some ideas:

Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are a great way to display smaller items like matchbooks, cigarette packs, and lighters. You can group similar items together or create a visually striking arrangement.

Shelves

Displaying items on shelves is an easy way to show off your collection while keeping it organized. You can group items by brand, type, color, or any other category that makes sense to you.

Framed Displays

Framing items like signs and posters protects them and makes them easy to hang on the wall. You can buy ready-made frames or have custom ones made to fit oddly sized pieces.

Curio Cabinets

Curio cabinets are perfect for displaying larger collections. Look for cabinets with adjustable shelves and glass doors to keep your items safe while still being visible.

Think about which items you want to highlight and build your displays around those. Rotate pieces periodically to keep things fresh and give everything in your collection a turn in the spotlight. Your displays will be a great conversation starter and allow you to enjoy your collection every day.

Where to Find Tobacco Collectibles

Part of the fun of collecting tobacco memorabilia is hunting for new pieces to add to your collection. In addition to flea markets, antique stores, and online marketplaces, here are a few other places to look:

Specialty Shows

Attend antique advertising or tobacciana shows to find a wide variety of items all in one place. Dealers often save their best pieces for these events and you can meet other collectors too. Check online for shows in your area or that coincide with your travels.

Club Meetings

Collecting clubs sometimes host swap meets where members can buy, sell, and trade items with each other. Even if you’re new and don’t have much to trade yet, it’s a great way to learn and make connections. More on finding clubs and groups later!

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be a good resource for secondhand goods in your local area. Keep an eye out for tobacco tins or signs listed by people who may not know their collectible value. Just be safe and meet in a public place to complete the transaction.

The more you explore, the better you’ll get at recognizing interesting pieces in all sorts of unexpected places. Stay curious and open-minded and you never know what you might find!

Storing and Caring for Your Collection

To keep your tobacco collectibles in great condition, it’s important to store and handle them properly. Here are some tips:

Keep Items Cool and Dry

Exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures can damage metal tins, paper labels, and other materials. Store your items someplace cool and dry like an interior closet or shelf.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Sunlight can fade colors and make paper brittle over time. Keep items out of direct sun, especially ones with paper components like signs or labels. If you want to display items in a sunny spot, consider using UV-protective glass.

Handle with Care

Handle items gently and as infrequently as possible to avoid scratches, chips, or other damage. Consider wearing gloves when handling paper or cardboard pieces. Support items fully from the base when moving them.

Use Archival Supplies

When storing items long-term, use acid-free tissue paper, boxes, and other archival supplies to prevent damage. Don’t use regular paper or cardboard which contain acids that can harm items over time.

Clean Gently

If an item needs cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. Research the proper cleaning method for each type of material. When in doubt, consult a professional conservator.

With proper care and storage, your tobacco collectibles can stay in great shape for many years to come. Taking good care of your collection will help preserve it for future generations to enjoy as well.

How to Connect with Other Tobacco Memorabilia Collectors

Collecting is always more fun with friends! Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow tobacco memorabilia enthusiasts online. Here are some of the best places to start:

Facebook Groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to various aspects of tobacco collectibles, such as Tobacco Tin Collectors , Tobacco Pipe Collector and Tobacciana “The good old days”. You can ask questions, share photos of your latest finds, and buy, sell, or trade with other members. Some groups even host virtual show and tells!

Reddit

Reddit also has a great community for tobacco collectors. The /r/coolcollections subreddit is a friendly place to post photos, ask for help identifying pieces, and discuss the hobby. You can also find buy/sell/trade posts there sometimes.

Joining these online communities is a fantastic way to learn more about collecting tobacco memorabilia, get advice from experienced collectors, and maybe even make some new friends who share your interests. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself and joining the conversation!

The Beauty of Collecting Tobacco Memorabilia

Collecting tobacco memorabilia is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows you to own a piece of history. The incredible diversity of items means you can tailor your collection to your own interests and tastes.

Unlike more mainstream collectibles, vintage tobacco items aren’t something you see every day. Each piece in your collection is a unique window into the past and a conversation starter.

As you grow your collection over time, you’ll develop a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that went into making these objects. The thrill of finding a long-sought item is hard to beat!

But perhaps the best part of collecting tobacco memorabilia is the sense of community it fosters. Connecting with other collectors who share your passion is so rewarding. Through clubs, online groups, and events, you’ll make new friends, learn from others, and find a real sense of belonging.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your tobacco memorabilia collection today and discover the joy of this unique hobby for yourself!