Condition is one of the biggest factors in what boxed cigars are worth. Describing it clearly and honestly saves time, and avoids surprises at the handover.
The box
- Is it sealed, with the cellophane or seals intact, or has it been opened?
- Are the warranty seal and any other labels present and undamaged?
- Is the box itself damaged: cracked, warped, stained or water-marked?
- Are the factory and date codes on the bottom legible?
The cigars
For opened boxes, look at the cigars without removing them all.
- Do the wrappers look intact, or are any cracked or split?
- Do the cigars feel springy, or dry and brittle?
- Are there pin-sized holes in the wrappers? These are a sign of tobacco beetles.
- Is there any fuzzy growth? Note its colour. White or blue-green fuzz is often mould.
- How many cigars are left in the box?
Storage
Record where the cigars have been kept, for how long, and the humidity and temperature if you know them. Humidity around the mid-60s per cent and a cool, stable room temperature are commonly recommended. Note any periods when the humidor dried out or overheated.
Be specific
“Three boxes sealed, two opened with 18 and 22 cigars left, one wrapper cracked” is far more useful than “good condition”. Back it up with photos: see how to photograph cigar boxes.
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