Thread: Antique Humidor Question

I have an old wooden smoking/tobacco end table with a copper lined humidor compartment.

Were these used "as is" or was some type of humidification device meant to be used inside?

Anyone know?


Scott

Try this: DRYMISTAT CRYSTAL HUMIDIFIER TUBES

http://www.get-my-cigars.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=66

Thank you Yannis for the links.

I'm just wondering if the copper lining is supposed to have some special property for tobacco storage? Does it facilitate a humid environment? Slow down the desication of tobaccos?

I'm assuming it was no accident that copper was used, but I've searched the web and can't find any answers.

No , I believe that the best lining is Spanish cedar .

Originally Posted by honedright

Thank you Yannis for the links.

I'm just wondering if the copper lining is supposed to have some special property for tobacco storage? Does it facilitate a humid environment? Slow down the desication of tobaccos?

I'm assuming it was no accident that copper was used, but I've searched the web and can't find any answers.

I do know that copper oxidizes quite easily and doesnt do as well as many other metals in a humid environment. The only experience I have with copper is within the communication field (copper wires, etc) so Im probably not the best person to give advice.

Originally Posted by JLStorm

I do know that copper oxidizes quite easily and doesnt do as well as many other metals in a humid environment. The only experience I have with copper is within the communication field (copper wires, etc) so Im probably not the best person to give advice.

Someone will have to check into this since most water pipes in houses and commercial kitchens are...you guessed it! Copper!

I've Googled copper water pipe and one reason stated for using copper was its ability to resist corrosion! I would assume the reason that your humidor is lined in copper is to protect the wood from the effects of high humidity!

Originally Posted by JMS

I've Googled copper water pipe and one reason stated for using copper was its ability to resist corrosion! I would assume the reason that your humidor is lined in copper is to protect the wood from the effects of high humidity!

I think copper and aluminum and non-ferrous materials will oxidize quickly but once a certain oxidization layer is reached (thickness) it stops oxidizing and the oxidized layers acts like a shield from further oxidization unlike ferrous materials --- I think.

Justin

Originally Posted by JMS

I've Googled copper water pipe and one reason stated for using copper was its ability to resist corrosion! I would assume the reason that your humidor is lined in copper is to protect the wood from the effects of high humidity!

I would guess that is the reason as well. I also have a copper lined antique humidor. I don't know if it would corrode over time as any tobacco or cigars I keep in there are in there own individual sealed containers so my pipe tobacco didn't flavor my cigars or my other pipe tobaccos. I do believe that my humidor saw decades of use with my grandfather, however, who used it exclusively for his cigars, While the wood is a little time worn the copper is all still bright. I thought I had a unique piece as I have never seen another copper lined humidor. Neat to find that it wasn't just some crazy idea of my grandads.

I really don't know if there was supposed to be a humidifier used. I would guess not as in those days they didn't seem to worry about preservation as much as we so. My grandad would also go through a box in less than a week so it would have been a non-issue for him.

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

I think copper and aluminum and non-ferrous materials will oxidize quickly but once a certain oxidization layer is reached (thickness) it stops oxidizing and the oxidized layers acts like a shield from further oxidization unlike ferrous materials --- I think.

Justin

I wish I knew! all I know is when a proof box begins to deteriorate the copper is usually the last thing to go!

( a proof box is a small room or cabinet made of stainless steel, aluminum, and copper tubing for proofing breads in a very humid environment, which is created by the proof box)