Take these two cigar stores, for example, each photographed around 1890. Attracting business in front of the Celebrated Pony Cigar Factory above is a rather distinguished-looking, traditional cigar store wooden Indian.

John Carl's Tobacco Store on the left, did the Pony shop one better: Instead of placing an Indian in front of his shop, Carl enticed business with a large wooden Punchinello. Punchinellos are grotesque clowns first introduced in Italian puppet shows.

Historians have neglected to tell us who won this ``cigar war,'' but it seems likely the Punchinello, with its sly grin and upraised fist, somehow proved too tough a match for the feathered Indian.

The Celebrated Pony Cigar Factory, you see, no longer exists. Located at the northwest corner of Berry and Barr streets when the picture was taken, it was operated by George Reiter, who was nicknamed ``Pony'' after the name of one of his brands of cigars. The shop eventually moved to 1400 S. Calhoun St., but later faded from the scene.

Carl's store at Main and Calhoun, though, was more fortunate. The John Carl Tobacco Store - Punchinello and all - was later sold to new owners.

The name of the store was changed to Riegel's Pipe and Tobacco Store - a store still in business at 624 S. Calhoun St.

--May 1, 1982