Fidel Castro Signed Cuban Cigar Box.

Rare cigar box signed by Fidel Castro. Hoyo de Monterrey de José Gener cigar box containing 25 handmade double corona Cuban cigars and stamped on the bottom, "Habanos S.A., Hecho en Cuba, Totalmente a mano." Inscribed on the lid in black felt tip by Fidel Castro, "Para Howard, Fraternalmente, Fidel Castro, Enero 7, 98." The recipient, Howard Bingham, was a professional photographer and biographer of Muhammad Ali, who accompanied the legendary boxer on multiple humanitarian visits to Cuba. They first went to Havana in 1996, bringing donations of about $500,000 in medical supplies to distribute to Cuban hospitals. Their trip, complete with cigar cost-haggling in the streets of Havana and a meeting with Castro, was chronicled by journalist Gay Talese in a classic Esquire article, "Boxing Fidel," published September 1, 1996. Ali returned to the island nation in September 1998 - along with Bingham, actor Edward Asner, and representatives of the U.S. based Disarm Education Fund and Direct Relief International organization - bringing donations of medicine and hospital equipment valued at $1.2 million. In fine condition. Rare, especially with noted provenance.