Fidel Castro Signed Humidor: A Rare Piece Of History

A Fidel Castro signed humidor is rare indeed, however this one is also a 100-year anniversary piece from the Festival del Habano in Havana in 2002, and it has stayed hidden with a collector until now.

In our latest video I talk through the Bolivar 100 Aniversario IV Festival del Habano Humidor up close, after it surfaced for an online cigar auction. This particular cigar auction is where serious collectors sometimes release vintage Davidoff Cuban cigars, Dunhill pieces, and the occasional humidor, but almost never something on this level. This Bolívar centenary humidor feels different, because the build is beautiful without being overly refined, and the finish has an organic, slightly quirky character that modern releases tend to iron out.

It was originally sold at the festival for £70,000, which is roughly £130,000 in today’s money, and while it is not in the multimillion bracket some modern trophy humidors reach, it stands on its own because it is a true one off. Inside, the presentation is as beautiful as you would expect, with five vitolas and twenty cigars of each, stacked through the tiers, plus a key and a dedicated compartment for humidification.

The cigars are just as interesting as the box. Even though these are Bolívar, the bands are not standard production, they are a unique red and gold design made specifically for the humidor, and the look leans vintage in the best way. The condition is the part that surprised me most, because after more than twenty years the cigars look immaculate, the aroma is still gorgeous, and there is virtually no visible damage, helped by the fact it has had a single owner since 2002.

Then there is the detail that turns it into something else entirely. A dated signature from Fidel Castro himself on the humidor, meaning you are not just looking at a rare cigar item, you are looking at a piece of history.

Click here for the auction listing.