On this day: A dictator rises to power.

On this day in 1959...

47 days after his forces swept into Havana, and overthrew the government in the heat of revolution...

Fidel Castro officially became the Prime Minister of Cuba.

His rise to power, carefully planned for years in prison cels, safe-houses and jungle hideouts, was finally complete.

And he built a dictatorship that would last for an incredible 49 years.

To some he was a political folk hero.

To many others, he was the devil incarnate.

Whatever your opinion on Fidel Castro, it's impossible to ignore his legacy and the major role he played in shaping 20th century history.

And so his memorabilia is rightly important, as both a record of the past and perhaps a lesson for the future.

A unique figure of 20th century history.

Paul Fraser Collectibles | Fidel CastroToday I can offer you three unique items.


Pieces from Castro's personal history – and the history of Cuba.

The stories and significance they carry with them are remarkable.

These are museum-quality items you will never find anywhere else.

And each one is fully authenticated and offered with superb provenance.


So to enhance your collection with any of these superb items, contact me today.

  • Email me now at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
  • Call me on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.
  • Or simply click to complete your order in our online store.

An early Fidel Castro signed photograph.

Paul Fraser Collectibles | Fidel CastroThis signed photograph pre-dates the Cuban Revolution by four years.

It features a striking portrait of Castro taken circa 1953, when he was just 27 years old.

Castro signed it in September 1955, just a few weeks after his first historic meeting with Che Guevara.

This beautiful vintage matte-finish photo measures 4” by 6”, and features an excellent example of his signature, signed crisply in black ink.

Castro has signed the photo “Fidel Castro Ruz” and dated it September 27, 1955.

It also bears an inscription for one of his supporters, which describes them as “una gran luchadora por nuestra libertad” - “a great fighter for our freedom”.

It's one of the earliest Fidel Castro signatures I've ever seen - from one of the most important periods in his life. This is an exceptional find.

Price: £4,995. 

Purchase this item now

Fidel Castro's revolutionary armband.

Fidel Castro's revolutionary armband.In 1955 Castro founded the 26th of July Movement (M-26-7).

It was the leading organization of the Cuban Revolution, and later transformed into the political party which controlled the country.

Throughout the revolution, members wore M-26-7 armbands along with their military fatigues.

And this example was personally worn by Fidel Castro himself.

These original 1950s-era armbands are incredibly rare in any condition.

And one worn and signed by Castro is almost certainly a unique piece.
Fidel Castro's revolutionary armband.The date and the inscription on this armband are also hugely significant.

Castro writes in black ink:

“How many people will remember this moment? January 1, 1959 Fidel”.

This was the day after Castro and the movement successfully overthrew the government and took control of Cuba.

It was their moment of triumph and a turning point in history - both perfectly captured in this remarkable piece of history.

This armband is a major artefact worthy of any museum. As such, it deserves a place in a serious and knowledgeable collection, to be carefully preserved for future generations.

Price: £9,950. 

Purchase this item now

Fidel Castro's personal cigar box.

Fidel Castro's personal cigar box. This is the ultimate collector's piece for cigar aficionados.

Castro kept this unique custom-made box by his side for 24 years.

It sat on his desk, and travelled the world with him from 1960 until 1984.

Only Castro and his closest security guards were allowed to touch it.

It was his insurance policy against assasination - because he knew the CIA had tried to kill him with exploding cigars. More than once.

And to ensure it wasn't replaced, Castro signed it boldly inside the lid.

Today it's one of only three authentic Fidel Castro-signed cigar boxes known to exist anywhere in the world.
Fidel Castro's personal cigar box.The history attached to this cigar box is absolutely extraordinary.

It sat in the room throughout the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War.

So just imagine the cast of characters who smoked cigars from this box.

World leaders. Politicians. Diplomats. Writers and revolutionaries. Some of the most important and influential figures of the 20th century.

Not to mention Castro himself, every single day.

And when he stopped smoking in 1984, he gave the box to his mistress Natty Revuelta Clews, who kept it until her death in 2015.

Offered in completely original condition, with fully documented provenance, this cigar box is an outstanding trophy piece for your collection.

Price: £29,995.

Purchase this item now

Your personal lifetime guarantee.

Everyone one of these special items comes with:

  • Free global delivery
  • A Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity
  • And a Paul Fraser Collectibles Certificate of Authenticity

They're also covered by our 28-day returns policy, so you're free to return them if they don't suit your collection.

I want you to buy with complete confidence, and build a collection you can be truly proud of.

So if you have any further questions about these items, or rare collectibles in general, I'll be happy to help.

You can email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.

Or call me directly on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.

Until next time,

Paul Fraser.

P.S. In addition to these three items, I have an extensive collection of rare and remarkable pieces from the Cuban Revolution available here.

Are you following us on social media? Find us here:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |   Youtube

Register to receive more indepth articles from our dedicated team.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock