Antique Victoria Cigarette Rolling Machine, Spain c.1920

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Antique Automatic Victoria Cigarette Rolling Machine. Spain, circa 1920

This extraordinary set of the "Victoria" automatic cigarette rolling machine, manufactured in Lastres, Asturias, during the 1920s, represents a fascinating testimony to the history of artisanal tobacco. This device, designed to produce perfectly rolled cigarettes with mechanical precision, features a sturdy chrome metal structure and a varnished wooden base that reflects the quality and attention to detail of its craftsmanship. The upper hopper, painted red, is intended to hold the tobacco, which is dosed and placed on the paper strip through an ingenious internal system operated by a front lever. The central part of the machine, adorned with the distinctive "Victoria" logo in gold and black, stands out for its impeccable condition, with no visible signs of wear or corrosion, testament to its careful use and preservation over the years.

Accompanying the main machine, the set includes a perfectly preserved original wooden box that provides secure storage for the machine and its accessories. This box has bronze hardware that keeps it fully functional. Inside, there are several additional elements, such as a replacement tape, an extra humidifier for the water tank, tobacco filters, and a case for rolling papers, all in excellent condition. Particularly notable is the presence of the original water tank, an essential component often missing in other examples, ensuring the proper moisture level for the tobacco, facilitating perfect rolling.The machine comes with several original spare parts from the Victoria brand, such as a replacement belt and an additional pad for the water tank. There is also a small box with old filters and some tools that complete the set.

Moreover, the set includes two additional cigarette rolling machines of simpler design, which, while not as elaborate as the "Victoria," complement this lot by offering a broader view of cigarette-making techniques of the era. This fascinating set is completed with the original usage instructions, printed in Spanish, providing a detailed guide for the proper handling of the machine. This artifact is not only a functional piece but also a work of art, ideal for any antique collection or as a unique decorative element that adds character and rich history to any space.

Dimensions: Machine: 43 x 15.7 x 22.7 cm (16.93 x 6.18 x 8.94 in). Box: 41 x 19.5 x 25 cm (16.14 x 7.68 x 9.84 in).

History of the Victoria Automatic Machine

The "Victoria" automatic machine was manufactured by Industrias Hermano in Lastres, Asturias, during a key period of innovation in the production of tools for homemade cigarette making. This type of machine was designed to offer a domestic and economical alternative to commercial cigarettes, allowing users to create personalized cigarettes with their choice of tobacco. The popularity of these devices increased significantly in the first half of the 20th century, especially in Europe, where tobacco consumption was widespread.

The "Victoria" stood out for its robustness and precision, qualities that made it a market leader. The ease of use and ability to produce uniform cigarettes made it a highly sought-after item. The inclusion of a water tank is a crucial detail, as it ensured the proper moisture of the tobacco, an essential aspect of the rolling process. This tank, often missing in surviving models, is perfectly intact here, significantly increasing the value of this set. Besides its functionality, the machine and its accessories feature an attractive aesthetic design that reflects the industrial design trends of the era, with clean lines and a mix of materials that combine chrome metal and polished wood.

The rise of these machines coincided with a transitional period in the tobacco industry, where manual and personalized production began to give way to mass manufacturing. Today, these machines represent a fascinating remnant of a bygone era, providing not only a means to understand past tobacco consumption practices but also a window into early 20th-century technology and design. For antique collectors and tobacco enthusiasts, this set offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in excellent condition, a true gem for any collection.