Cigar Store Indian

[ZippoGeek]

Anyone else want one of these bad boys? I was just sitting here thinking about the 3 things I'm going to need for a proper bucket list (a Rolex and Porsche for starters) when POOF...a 6-foot cigar store Indian just popped into my head! They're a part of Americana, and I think they're pretty sweet. All I need is a cigar man cave off the back of my house and $1500. What do you guys think: is it kitschy or cool?

 

[mdwest]

I'd love to have one in my office/man cave.. I've looked around a couple of times.. but the few I've found were either in really poor condition.. or crazy expensive (owner wanted WAY more than it was worth)...

 

[Bondo 440]

Big heap expensive. Me speak with smoke God.
Him say me better to use wampum on heap big bomb raid.

 

[ZippoGeek]

Big heap expensive. Me speak with smoke God.
Him say me better to use wampum on heap big bomb raid.

Literally laughed out loud brother...thanks for that!

 

[CVAC085]

I'd love to have one eventually. I've seen them in all sizes.

 

[Clint]

I think it would be cool to see what an authentic one would go for. )Meaning one that was not made in China last week.)
I imagine the cost would be huge for an actual antique, though.....

 

[DataJockey]

I checked out E Bay, not to bad under $2000. But that would be allot of cigars. I vote for the 200-300 cigars I could get.

 

[SeaGarr]

I always thought they were kind of racist propaganda...

 

[GWBowman]

I think they are very cool

 

[Bondo 440]

I always thought they were kind of racist propaganda...

Well barbers had the barber poles, consignment shops had this big "golden three globe" thingy, leather shops had giant shoes, tobacco shops had the Indian. At this point the shops expanded from signs in the storefronts and added these huge icons on the sidewalks. Novel at first, this eventually evolved into such ridiculousness that litigation would be drafted to remove the clutter from the walkways, for numerous credible reasons. Then came the depression. People brought the retired icons out again. However, this time to burn them to create heat. As racial tolerance, or should I say, awareness, moved forward, yes, the demand no longer justified production.

Don't blame me. Spent hours researching these one night.

 

[SeaGarr]

Well barbers had the barber poles, consignment shops had this big "golden three globe" thingy, leather shops had giant shoes, tobacco shops had the Indian. At this point the shops expanded from signs in the storefronts and added these huge icons on the sidewalks. Novel at first, this eventually evolved into such ridiculousness that litigation would be drafted to remove the clutter from the walkways, for numerous credible reasons. Then came the depression. People brought the retired icons out again. However, this time to burn them to create heat. As racial tolerance, or should I say, awareness, moved forward, yes, the demand no longer justified production.

Don't blame me. Spent hours researching these one night.

But what's your point?

 

[Bondo 440]

um. dunno. Found the Village People tho

 

[SeaGarr]

guess I don't have one

Well that's not right lol!!

Don't get me wrong - I am not really emotionally invested. I simply have always found them to be... well, demeaning. But now that you bring up the history, I wonder if First Nations People find them derogatory? I have no clue. Did your research ever say if that was the case? I am kind of interested now.

 

[Bondo 440]

I had to edit that to add the Village People.
As far as the history, let's just say you should definitely look into it. GWbowman's figurine is actually done well. The authentic "first versions" will surprise you. Let's just say more than one race had complaints. I'm surprised it didn't have a slice of Italian pizza in it's hand, for a total mind blowing experience..

 

[SeaGarr]

Well I took a second and had a look - if my brief search is to believed, it seems that the majority of First Nations people find the Cigar Store Indian to be a negative stereotype. Comparing it to certain lawn ornaments - which is where I went too. Of course not everyone feels that way.

 

[SeaGarr]

I had to edit that to add the Village People.
As far as the history, let's just say you should definitely look into it. GWbowman's figurine is actually done well. The authentic "first versions" will surprise you. Let's just say more than one race had complaints. I'm surprised it didn't have a slice of Italian pizza in it's hand, for a total mind blowing experience..

Yeah - I read that the European's didn't know what Indians looked like so they fashioned them after black slaves "as to be an identifiable symbol of the New World" - weird.

 

[luckysaturn13]

Americas becomming to political correct these days but that is a rant im not going on about out of respect for the botl and sotls of the forum.... but in other aspects i feel these are pretty cool for the early americana aspect. My grandmother was an antiques dealer and I am a history buff. My future mother in law has an indian at their log cabin that about 3ft tall. You might be able to get a concrete one amd paint it for less than a wooden one if your not lworried about materials. ive always been drawn to items that have a neat story or history behind them. Sorry if my grammar sucks my phones a pos

 

[Bondo 440]

Amricas getting to political correct these days but thats a rant im not going on oit of respect for the botl and sotls of the forum.... but in other aspects i think these are pretty cool for the early americana aspect. My grandmpther was an antiques dealer and i am a history buff.

Right On. My wife and I keep an eye out for treasures as well. In the spring I join her for the garage sales. Makes me a big hero with her, but I primarily go just to see if I can find any smoking memorabilia or watches.

 

[CVAC085]

Right On. My wife and I keep an eye out for treasures as well. In the spring I join her for the garage sales. Makes me a big hero with her, but I primarily go just to see if I can find any smoking memorabilia or watches.

I enjoy going to them also with my girlfriend, especially by her house where people have sold extremely high end household items and bedroom sets for little to nothing! I've also been on the hunt for many smoking memorabilia, even the indian. Although, over this past summer I did come across 2 glenlivet drams for .25 cents each! I couldn't pass them up.

 

[Bondo 440]

What's a GlenLivet Dram?
I recently got a "Commander Cigar" collector ash tray, like 75% off at Ross's. They get like liquidation stuff.
Going out to some unsuspecting BOTL