Name/Title
Elks' Choice Cigar BoxEntry/Object ID
2025.93.7Description
A rectangular wooden box with black stamped border and elk's head design with the words "ELKS' CHOICE." On the front of the box, near the metal latch, is stamped "Compliments of C.P. COLLINS & CO." On the inside of the lid a piece of paper is glued with an illustration of an elk's head and "Elk's Choice/Cervus Alces/ Compliments/of/C.P. Collins & Co." "Cervus alces" is the scientific name for the elk, according to the British. In modern America this particular specification refers to the moose. The bottom of the box has a partial label indicating the factory where is was made, No. 645, 1st District of Michigan, and a notice which is partially missing but in full would read "The manufacturers of the Cigars herein contained have complied with all the requirements of law. Every person is cautioned not to use either this box for cigars again or the stamp thereon again, nor to remove the contents of this box without destroying said stamp under the Penalties provided by law in such cases." The stamp mentioned would have been adhered over the opening of the box to indicate whether the box had been opened, it also served as notice that certain taxes had been paid for the contents by the manufacturer.
Charles Parker (C.P.) Collins of Detroit manufactured cigars as C.P. Collins & Co. starting in 1875. He was very active in his community, including local government and a variety of fraternal organizations including the Elks.
Inside the box are a variety of small objects kept there by the previous owner including seven marbles, a ceramic boot, and a gutta percha case containing a tintype photograph (2025.93.9).Collection
General CollectionLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Box, CigarNomenclature Primary Object Term
Container, CigarNomenclature Sub-Class
Containers for Smoking & TobaccoNomenclature Class
Household AccessoriesNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Archives U1-C-6Category
PermanentDate
September 7, 2025Provenance
Provenance Detail
Found ObjectCreated By
Kearney, QuinlanCreate Date
September 7, 2025Updated By
Kearney, QuinlanUpdate Date
September 14, 2025
