Kerouac Jack
Jack Kerouac's Mid-Century Cigarette Box, Estate Certified

A spectacular vintage cigarette box, ca. 1960s, personally owned by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the famous mid-century American writer who brought us On The Road (1957). The cigarette box was manufactured by the Zell Products Corporation and is contained in its original department store box. Provenance: The lot will be accompanied by an estate certification signed by John Shen-Sampas, executor of the Kerouac Estate by descent. John Shen-Sampas is the son of John Sampas, who was the brother-in-law of Jack Kerouac, and the brother of Stella Kerouac, Jack's wife.

As writer Dylan Gyles explained in his blog post, "Beatniks on Tobacco", the Beats depended on cigarettes for emotional comfort, oral gratification, and mind-altering stress relief. Smoking was a repetitive action which unblocked the mind and liberated social inhibitions. Jack Kerouac's typical work space--as well as his standard social milieu--featured endless supplies of cigarettes. Kerouac immortalized tobacco culture in On the Road.

The Zell cigarette box with fancy brass finish is raised on four feet. Applied enameled and rhinestone daisy decoration on the hinged lid. Expected light surface wear, else near fine. 4.375" x 3.5" x 1.5".

Zell Products Corporation was considered one of the "Fifth Avenue lines" of cosmetic-related products and novelty items in the 1930s-1960s. The Connecticut-based company produced compact cases, billfolds, coin banks, cigarette cases, and also "leather and metal specialties."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!