The Cigar Label 500

        What is the Cigar Label 500? And how was it comprised?

For the last six years or so a loose-knit group of 20 or so veteran cigar label lovers have been working on this “index”.
We call this group “lovers” because the other descriptions won’t fit on this nice web site.

If you are familiar with the InStone 100 “index”, this grouping will work in the same manner. Over the next few years we will
try to acquire the 500 titles and images that are on the list.

The InStone 100 added an exciting dimension to the dynamic, expanding field of interest in cigar box labels. The truth is
the “500” was really started about a dozen years ago after the InStone 100 was released and there were what seemed like a
million complaints demanding to know why their favorite labels were not a part of it. Mike Bianco now knows what they mean
when they say, “No good deed goes unpunished.” That’s why the “group” chooses to remain anonymous.

Starting with a list of images of great labels that didn’t get on the “100” list, we came up with the “500” that will now include those
great images and more. Overlooked favorites like Speculator, Covered Wagon, Nebraska Girl, Pony Post, The Radio Queen
and so many more are now on on the Cigar Label 500. It took longer to finish the CL-500 than expected. The group considered
over 1,500 labels and finally arrived at the chosen 500. We agreed that the 500 would be comprised of the most popular images
that were available (we didn’t want any to be impossible to find) and we wanted to include price points from $3-$325.

A diverse mixture was carefully achieved with deliberate attention to a variety of rarities and a balance of inner and outer labels. Of
course the first 100 should be easier to acquire than the last 100. The middle range will be where the surprises will probably show up.
Every $40 or $70 image will not end up at the same price in 5 or 10 years. That’s where the fun and the profits come from in these
indexes. Rest assured that at least a handful of every title or image on the CL-500 list is our there! Although surely out of the
500 labels, there will be some that will be more or less available than we now think.

When cigars were in their heyday, every theme of that time period showed up on cigar labels. They represent glimpses of history
and honor a time when very skilled craftsmen created these beautiful works of art. It’s amazing that many of these gems have survived
the landfills and a testament to their quality that some have remained in such good condition.

An effort was made to include as many themes as possible. There should be something of interest to ALL collectors. The themes
include: (to name a few) ancient leaders, Art Nouveau, cats, dogs, famous men, kings, playing cards, politicians, swans, Tampa,
medical, opera, trains, Uncle Sam, angels, bowling, eagles, golfing, buildings and SO MANY MORE!! Whatever your collecting
interest, there must be a label for you.

We owe all the old ephemera scouts who were the pioneers of appreciating this amazing art form our gratitude. Thanks to them,
labels are still here today for all of us to enjoy. We hope that everyone who attempts to complete the Cigar Label 500 does!
But if you don’t complete it, you still win! Just remember “None are as fortunate as those that have a passion for something.”
You will be able to follow the progress of the CL 500 on this site and others from time to time. Good Luck!

                                                                                                  The Group