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1880nonsportsby many to cheat the government. Repacking was problematic for the manufacturer and the government. To circumvent paying taxes on tobacco - cigars and perhaps cigarettes (I wasn't aware
it was being done with cigarettes but no reson to believe it wasn't done - especially that early on) - smaller manufacturer's would re-use packaging. That's why at least in part cigar boxes and cigarette packs were required after a time to be sealed with the dated tax stamp reflecting the amount of smokes or the weight - as well as requiring factory information be included. There were apparently stiff penalties for non-complience. Just as an aside - in the 1800's and earlier repacking was done to substitute inferior goods in place of more expensive quality manufacturer's products. The pickle barrell, the biscuit tin, tobacco products of all kinds, one's favorite libation were all at risk - because often the product was unsealed and sold in bulk to be distributed by the store owner. The problem persists today with many promotions or the like carrying "not for individual sale" or "promotional item" warnings. I have a small collection of single cigarettes from the 1800's - interestingly all have the brand name on the paper like a watermark (the Old Judge cigarette is actually EMBOSSED!) - an expense that must have been neccesary to protect the manufacturer......