Antique c1920 Rare Thuya Burr Cigar Humidor Box Cedar Lined Removable Divider

An outstanding early 20th-century figured Thuya burr wood cigar box or humidor-style case, dating to around c1920, beautifully made with superb exotic figuring, fine contrasting trim and a removable internal divider. This is a rare and highly collectable example of a quality smoking accessory, with the richness of the Thuya wood and the standard of cabinetmaking setting it well above the usual plain cigar boxes of the period.

Thuya wood was prized for its rich colour, dense natural figure, aromatic character and luxurious decorative appearance. Most closely associated with North African and Moroccan cabinet work, it was often used for small fine boxes, veneers and luxury objects where the dramatic figuring of the wood could be fully appreciated. This box displays exactly that appeal, with a deep golden brown, amber and chestnut tone and a beautifully mottled, swirling surface across the lid and sides.

The edging is particularly well finished. The lid and body are framed with a dark ebonised border, set off by a fine light-coloured stringing line, probably yew, boxwood or a similar contrasting timber. This narrow decorative edging gives the box a crisp, refined look and shows the attention to detail in the making. The contrast between the dark border, pale stringing and warm figured Thuya surface is one of the most attractive features of the piece.

The clean rectangular form, shallow lid, crisp edges and restrained decorative border are very much in keeping with better quality desk, smoking and gentleman’s accessories of the interwar period. It has the feel of a box made not simply for storage, but to sit visibly in a study, smoking room, club interior or country-house setting.

Inside, the box is cedar lined and fitted with a removable divider, allowing the interior to be arranged either as two cigar compartments or as one larger open storage space. This practical removable section is a useful feature and supports the original purpose of the piece as a cigar box or humidor-style case. The long brass piano hinge opens smoothly and gives the lid a stable, well-made feel.

Today it would work equally well as a cigar box, desk box, jewellery box, watch box or refined decorative storage piece. It has the quality and visual strength to be a room highlight in its own right, especially in a country house, library, study or smart modern interior.

The overall presentation is excellent, with beautiful colour, strong Thuya figuring and a clean cedar-lined interior. There are two very small chips to the veneer on the lower rear edge, difficult to notice in normal display, together with minor age-related surface wear consistent with careful use. The surface has a mellow original patina and has not been over-restored or stripped back, preserving the warmth, depth and character of the wood.

A beautiful and highly decorative figured Thuya cigar box, combining practical use with excellent cabinetmaking quality. With its exotic wood, cedar lining, removable divider, ebonised border, fine light stringing and rich original patina, this is a rare and highly collectable smoking accessory of real decorative presence.

Size: c. W 17cm x D 9cm x H 5.5cm

*Please go to our shop on Ebay for other similar items, we can also look to combine postage where possible