Are these Cuban "diplomatic/ presidencia/ special" cigars real?

[Fugu]

On 7/17/2024 at 12:25 AM, Puros Y Vino said:

Good eye. I'll post the rest of the pics I have later. No clear markings such as Hecho en Cuba but perhaps the build details might give a clue.

Thanks for posting the detailed pics! That box looks pretty ordinary, almost like a DIY project, in its execution. Cuban presidential or diplomatic humidors, and even all privately commissioned humis / cabinets I've seen are made to a much higher standard. Showing a level of craftsmanship (jeez, I cannot use this word unencumbered anymore...) that sets them far, far apart from this one. Not even sure it's Cuban, at least not anything even half official. I'd go out on a limb here and say it's likely not: Apart from the making, any production from that period should bear some clear tokens pointing towards Cuban origin, bands and/or packaging or some such. I've yet to see a personalised band from Cuba not bearing the word "Habana" (unless used in unit with a regular band). Any further hints on the band's flaps perhaps?

[JohnnyO]

On 7/17/2024 at 12:59 AM, Puros Y Vino said:

You just reminded me of something.  Many years ago someone contacted me via PM on reddit. He had inherited a humidor with cigars. His mother married an Colombian diplomat and she passed this along to him when he died (or when she died - can't remember). Apparently, this diplomat wrote a book on Simon Bolivar. 

I put him in contact with a few people. Ultimately, he had it authenticated as Cuban by an LCDH in Belgium(IIRC) and it auctioned off. For my "trouble" he ensured that one of the cigars made it to me. Here's some pics he sent me. The last pic is a closeup of the band in my possession.

Indalecio Lievano Aguirre (1917-1982) was a Colombian Politico/Diplomat. This had to be a one of a kind box. John

[99call]

More frankenstein Humidores, where someone has commissioned terrible refits, for missing parts.

[99call]

On 7/17/2024 at 10:23 AM, Puros Y Vino said:

Here's the rest of the pics. Thoughts?

Looks like this cabinet was made by the same guy that made this.

[Jack]

In my experience the "plywood" style of edging was done consistently by one manufacturer.  Some appear to be actual plywood and others it's a veneer so difficult to tell.

LA Nacional S.A.

Fabrica de Envases en General

Universidad Num. 324 (Cerro)

Telefono M-2614

Habana - Cuba

I have several boxes that could be argued to be diplomatic and they are proudly marked to ensure no mistake is made where they came from.

Some of what is shown above I'd be hesitant about given "Cuba".