Origins of Cigar Store Indians
The tradition of using carved wooden figures to attract customers dates back to the 17th century in Europe, where shopkeepers used symbols like wooden Scotsmen for tobacco shops. When European settlers brought tobacco to the Americas, Native American imagery became associated with the product due to indigenous peoples’ early role in its cultivation and trade. By the early 19th century, American tobacconists began displaying life-sized wooden figures of Native Americans outside their shops as an advertising tool.
These figures were typically hand-carved from wood and brightly painted, often depicting a Native American man or woman holding a bundle of cigars or a peace pipe. They were designed to be eye-catching, drawing in customers who may not have been able to read signage in an era of widespread illiteracy.
Craftsmanship and Artistic Value
Many of the finest cigar store Indians were carved by skilled artisans, particularly in the mid-to-late 19th century. Notable makers such as Samuel Robb, Thomas Brooks, and Julius T. Melchers created exquisitely detailed figures, turning what was once a purely commercial display into an art form.
A carved wood cigar store Indian attributed to Thomas Brooks.
Thomas Brooks, a well-known 19th-century woodcarver based in New York, was celebrated for his highly detailed and expressive figures, often featuring elaborate drapery and lifelike facial features. His work was heavily influenced by neoclassical sculpture, setting his carvings apart from those of his contemporaries. Collectors today prize Brooks’ cigar store Indians for their artistry and craftsmanship, making them some of the most sought-after pieces on the market.
Julius Theodore Melchers, a German-born sculptor and woodcarver who settled in Detroit, also left a lasting impact on the trade. Trained in both Europe and the United States, Melchers was known for his precision and ability to create highly realistic figures. His cigar store Indians, as well as other commercial carvings, showcased an exceptional level of detail, reflecting his European fine arts background. Today, his works are highly collectible, with surviving pieces considered museum-quality examples of 19th-century American folk art.
Over time, the style evolved, incorporating different artistic influences, from the classical to the folk-art aesthetic. The transition from wooden to cast-zinc figures in the late 19th century also influenced their look, though wooden carvings remain the most sought-after by collectors today.
Featured in Our Upcoming Auction: Masterpieces and Marvels
Stefek’s is excited to feature exceptional examples of cigar store Indians in our upcoming Masterpieces and Marvels auction on February 26th. This event will showcase the craftsmanship of renowned carvers, including Thomas Brooks and Julius Melchers.
A carved wood cigar store Indian attributed to Julius Melchers.
“Our Masterpieces and Marvels auction brings together some of the most exquisite works of American folk art, and we are thrilled to present these remarkable carvings by Brooks and Melchers,” says Lori Stefek, owner of Stefek’s Auctioneers and Appraisers. “Their work represents a significant era of artistry and advertising history, and we anticipate strong interest from collectors who recognize the rarity and cultural value of these pieces.”
Buying and Selling Cigar Store Indians
At Stefek’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, we recognize the importance of preserving these historical artifacts. Whether you are looking to add a cigar store Indian to your collection or are interested in selling one, our team of experts can provide insights into its authenticity, condition, and market value.
If you have a piece you’d like to have appraised or are interested in bidding on one in our upcoming auction, contact us today. We take pride in connecting collectors with exceptional historical artifacts and ensuring these unique pieces continue to be appreciated for generations to come. We’d love to see your items!
Please click here to view our Masterpieces and Marvels auction and register to bid!
