Home Industry was a union movement that started in the 1890s to organize people who did work from home. This cigar box is a great example of these types of hand-made goods. Fred Franklin, a hand-maker of cigars, was a big union supporter who made a huge effort to stay involved with unions throughout his career (see last couple images). Jack London, a well-known socialist in his time of the early 20th century, wrote a book titled The Valley of the Moon, which explored labor abuses and unionization, and actually made a reference to home industry in a passage: "They've agreed to patronize home industry. Besides, it is better for them." This cigar box pays homage to the book and its unionization message.
1940s Franklin's Valley of the Moon "Home Industry" Cigar Box
The box is dirty and shows wear all-over (although it's pristine inside). There is some writing on the right corner and staining on the bottom. You're not buying this because of its condition -- you're buying it because it's cool.
8 3/4" wide
3" tall
6" deep