Rarity of some items is pushing up prices.

Along with the revived interest in cigars are the many vintage objects made for them from the late 19th and into the 20th century.

In those days many different items were needed before the cigar could be smoked. For example, manufacturers didn't make cigars with both ends open. A bit of the sealed end had to be removed so the smoker could draw the smoke into his mouth when the other end was lit. The problem was solved with a cigar cutter.

There were not only cigar cutters available at tobacco store counters but lighters. For individual use there were match safes, to hold matches. As popularity grew, so did ways to keep home cigars from drying out. The result was a variety of home humidors, from boxes to elegant cabinets on stands. Inside the cabinets were sliding trays to hold the cigars. When they come to auction they can sell for several thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the piece.

When an Edwardian humidor cabinet with ormolu mounts and a bas-relief panel came to a recent Red Baron auction in Atlanta, it had an estimate of $2,500-3,500. Scarce and collectible are countertop cigar store figures. Depending on condition and novelty of design these figures, ranging from 24 inches high, can sell for as much as $8,000. More common figures can be priced at $1,500.

CLUES: It is still possible to build a collection of cigar cutters, both those made for counter and individual use. Categories also include advertising cutters and those made as jewelry. Others were in figural form.

Most common were the scissors-type that were gold or silver- plated. Some were so tiny that they could be used as charms.

Rare and expensive are mechanical cigar cutters used in tobacco stores around the turn of the century. These were made with blades that "snapped" around quickly when the tips of cigars were put into the openings. Some were colorfully decorated with advertising and others had glass domes. Metal wind-up cutters sometimes resembled mechanical banks, performing a couple of steps with a figure biting off the cigar tip.

Unfortunately many of these metal cutters ended up as scrap or were melted down in World War 1. The more movements the objects performed, the more expensive. A cast iron figure of a burro that is activated with a base lever to move ears and tail has sold for over $500. A simple pocketknife figural could be priced for as little as $50.

One of the most unique cigar cutters documented is known as the "King Alfred." It was 13 inches high and held a Waterbury clock.

There were several types of pocket-type cutters. Some could also be used as pocketknives. As part of a gentleman's jewelry they were made in sterling silver as well as 14-karat gold, and engraved or etched.

While there are collectors specializing in match safes, these obviously could be a spinoff as cigar collectibles. Most commonly made of nickel over brass, they measure from 11/2 inch to around 23/4 inches. Still modestly priced are those that advertised a product or an event, such as a fair. For the wealthy, diamonds, rubies and other gems were inset. Those with beautiful engraved motifs are considered choice. Sometimes a tiny photo was placed under a mica cover.

Other collecting possibilities include cigar boxes with colorful lithographed scenes and exotic ladies. Around the early 20th century cigar bands were such popular collectibles that special albums were made for them. Other times the bands were used as decoupage to cover small tables, ashtrays and bowls.