A little bit of cigar history : 1966 World Cup Memorabilia

[El Presidente]

 

Ernst Casimir is a historic Dutch cigar brand best known for its collectible, non-tobacco memorabilia, particularly its famous 1966 World Cup cigar band series.

Ernst Casimir was a prominent mid-20th-century brand of Dutch cigars manufactured in the Netherlands and Belgium. Named after the historic Ernest Casimir, Count of Nassau-Dietz, the brand is highly regarded today by collectors of vintage tobacciana, particularly for its innovative and thematic packaging. 

The brand operated primarily during the peak of the European cigar manufacturing boom in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Like many Dutch-style cigars (sigaren), they specialised in dry-cured tobacco blends wrapped in light Sumatra leaf, sold in distinctive vintage tin packaging. 

 

1966 World Cup Series: The brand released a highly sought-after set of cigar bands featuring 11 portraits of England players and 11 West Germany players (including icons like Franz Beckenbauer and George Cohen)