Cigarette box usage (tabletop style)

[j]

I just found a simple silverplate cigarette box at a thrift store and I'd like to put some cigarettes in it, but I don't want them to go stale. The box seems reasonably airtight, having an overlapping flange all the way around. Is there anything I can put inside it to control the humidity or whatever is needed so the cigarettes inside don't go bad?

Thanks.

 

[RyJ Maduro]

Check with your local tobacconist.

We carry a small humidifier, pellet shaped, about 1.5cm by 5cm, intended to keep about five cigars fresh. It would likely be the most appropriate option for you. Perhaps throw two in there, one on each end, to ensure consistency. They're a dollar each.

 

[unpainted huffheinz]

There are little humidifiers that you can stick on the lid. Basically it is just a sponge that slowly releases moisture, and has to be wetted frequently. Invariably you will forget to freshen it up and the tobacco will go stale.

 

[kwilkinson]

That's a sweet cigarette box.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

That's a sweet cigarette box.
Thanks, I thought it was pretty cool. The finish is kind of beat up, but I like things that way. Though if I decide I really like it I may strip it and replate it, and then let it tarnish properly. Thanks for the advice on the humidifier devices. I'll bring the box into a tobacconist and ask them what they think. Is there any option that doesn't require maintenance? Also, would there be any sense in potentially lining some of the surfaces inside the box with cedar? I thought that might be a cool touch and wouldn't take much work at all.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by j

Thanks for the advice on the humidifier devices. I'll bring the box into a tobacconist and ask them what they think. Is there any option that doesn't require maintenance? Also, would there be any sense in potentially lining some of the surfaces inside the box with cedar? I thought that might be a cool touch and wouldn't take much work at all.

Aside from looking cool, b/c I like the way cedar looks, cedar holds humidity really well. So I would say that all humidification devices are going to require some maintenance, but if you line your box with cedar, it will require less maintenance since it'll hold the humidity better. Also, you'd need to make really sure that the fit is airtight.

 

[RyJ Maduro]

Originally Posted by j

Thanks for the advice on the humidifier devices. I'll bring the box into a tobacconist and ask them what they think. Is there any option that doesn't require maintenance? Also, would there be any sense in potentially lining some of the surfaces inside the box with cedar? I thought that might be a cool touch and wouldn't take much work at all.

I'd suggest trying the poster-board thin cedar used as dividers in cigar boxes. You should be able to cut it easily with scissors.

This should be adequate, given the small size of the box and relative stability of cigarette tobacco compared to cigar tobacco.