The Victorian Humidor Project

9 comments

1. Emeriol June 17, 2008
   A Hunzinger style humidor of course! It should be made so it matches his flip-top table. The double-hinged box would flip to have chips on one side and cigars on the other!
2. RareVictorian June 17, 2008
   How about a Lollipop Humidor? I think I'm leaning towards incised, ebonized, gilded, neo-classical style with a couple of woods. We'll see what he says is realistic...
3. Emeriol June 17, 2008
   You should get him to post some of his own work on his site. Especially if he can make you the humidor.
4. RareVictorian June 17, 2008
   This is one of the reasons that he is making it for me. He's done this work for 10+ years but hasn't yet built up a portfolio or held onto representative samples.
5. woodwright June 18, 2008
   Here are a couple nice ones currently on ebay - but due to end. current Antiques listings on eBay They are typically lined with Spanish Cedar (I'm not sure why, but I'm sure there is a reason. If you search the web enough, I'm sure you can learn why. Here is a website that sells humidors - antiques (pricy) and new. http://www.heirloomhumidors.com/vintage3.html If you click the "Craftsmanship" tab on the left it will give you some information about humidors. Like the ideal humidty level should be 70% to keep the cigars from drying out or being too damp - controlled through the humidification system. You could reproduce a nice rare Victorian cabinet in a scaled down version if he wants a challenge. Maybe a miniature Wooton, or a credenza like this one from Southhampton antiques http://www.southamptonantiques.com/sb/sb-1168.html . I look forward to seeing the finished product. woodwright
6. brandon June 19, 2008
   I must acknowledge my brother for his ineffability in consistently promoting me without my prior knowledge, for which I am regardless extremely grateful thereof. In regards to this current idea of a Humidor, the only constraint is the time to which I can afford it. To answer why Spanish Cedar is primarily used as a lining, it is due to its' inherent ability to resist rot as well as its' stability in a humid environment. You can also use Mahogany for the same reason, but it doesn't have the added aromatics that the Cedar does, a sometimes desired trait in cigars.
7. RareVictorian June 22, 2008
   Maybe I need to have him make a Kimbel & Cabus humidor, but need a better picture.
8. Sarah November 6, 2008
   Brandon, I recently acquired a 1920's Alfred Dunhill standing box Humidor with Birdseye maple veneer and a tin lining. After a bit of research I have come to understand that tin does not humidify cigars as properly as Cedar or Mahogany, and am curious if it would be more beneficial for me to have the entire Humidor lined with Spanish Cedar. In no way do I want to compromise the integrity of the piece, but would rather prefer to enhance its' overall worth in the way it preserves cigars. As you, albeit through your brothers promotion of your craftsmanship, have shown yourself to be quite knowledgeable, may I ask for your advice on the matter ?
9. Brandon November 7, 2008
   Sarah, Tin, copper, even glass were used to line humidors. I would stick a hygrometer in there to check if your humidor maintains relative humidity and how much effort it takes to monitor. If it holds a steady rh, then there is no reason to re line it other than to impart the aromas from the wood, or so you don't have to keep such a watchful eye on it. Hope that helps.