Gradiaz, Annis & Co. Building (Copyright 2010 Tom Ufer All Rights Reverved)
Cigar Brands: Gold Label, Ruy Lopez, Shakespeare
Gradiaz Annis' Gold Label was one of the most popular cigar brands in the 1950's. The Sanchez y Haya Shakespeare cigar brand came to Gradiaz Annis by way of a 1936 aquisition of Wengler and Mandell. Wengler and Mandell had aquired Sanchez y Haya in 1934. Sanchez y Haya created the Shakespeare brand in 1872 and trademarked it in 1924. The Ruy Lopez brand, originally made by Gradiaz, Annis is now made locally, by Vincent & Tampa Cigar Co.
In 1963 General Cigar aquired Gradiaz, Annis & Co. At that time, Morton Annis, was President of Gradiaz, Annis & Co. Morton Annis revolutionized the packaging of cigars with innovations in wood, leather and ceramic containers.He also created colorful holiday packaging for Gold Label and other General Cigar brands. General Cigar continued the Gradiaz, Annis operations in Ybor City until 1976 when the factory was relocated to Kingston, PA.
The factory is currently a U-Haul Rental and Storage facility.
Comments
It's interesting how so many of them relocate.
Good article
:)
good info here.
nice article!
I have a cigar box from Gradiaz, Annis, Gold Label Crystals, Boite Empire - does anyone know the value or where I can find the value? Would like to sell. Mostly blue, painting of a nobleman on front (Napoleon?).
CJ, you may want to look at ebay for comparable auctions.
I'm interested in buying the box. Email me at Rgonzales562@hotmail.com
I was just given an empty box : Gold Label Nero by Ignacio Haya 5 cigars
Email me at thrdchild@yahoo.com if interested
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