Zippo

History

Zippo was created in 1932 by Georges G. Blaisdell, with Bradford, Pennsylvania. According to the legend, in 1931, Georges G. Blaisdell would have asked an elegant friend: - Don't You who are so smart, why have you a lighter which has more pace? (- You' Re all dressed up. Does Why don' T you get have lighter that looks decent?) . Piqué, his/her friend answered him: - But, it goes!

Thus the creator wanted a Briquet beautiful to look at, simple to use and especially reliable. He bought at once the rights of a Briquet of storm Autrichien with withdrawable cap in 1931, but it was a commercial failure. At the end of 1932, it had to create another lighter. The appearance of a rectangular case, which will be later reduced, will become the trademark. The great idea is to connect the cap to the lower part by a welded hinge. To finish his creation, Georges G. Blaisdell surrounded the wick of a protective grill against the wind. Then it found the name of Zippo, inspired by that of a new brilliant invention of 1930: the zipper (the Zipper). It called its Zippo lighter. The name passed quickly in the everyday usage as horn , refrigerator or kleenex .

In the airports, the travellers are requested not to carry a Zippo lighter on board a Avion. In Germany and especially with the the United States, Zippo is classified like a possibly dangerous object, except if the load is removed. However a Zippo lighter not filled with gasoline is tolerated on oneself.

Manufacture

The Zippo factory produced since its origin more than 400 million Zippo which made the joy of the users and the Collection neurs. The form practically did not change, but there were many mechanical evolutions, in particular for the stone with fire and the appearance of the case. The company Zippo tried to diversify in 1962. Today, it produces knives, ustensils of writing, key-rings. Zippo consolidated its sales by installing a national and international distribution network. In more than 100 countries, the name of Zippo became a guarantee of quality. Its great force lies in its reputation “Made in America”, its solidity, but especially its Flamme which can resist extreme climatic conditions.

Each metal product “Zippo” is always repaired free. Zippo does not invoice anything, and this independently of the condition of the product. That is not however valid for appearance external of the lighter.

Dating of Zippo

Zippo manufactured of 1955 to 1986 are gone back under the lighter with a system to points (up to 1965) then vertical bars. Since 1985, the dates are codified, on both sides mark under the lighter, initially in letters for the months of manufacture and then in Roman numerals for the years (but currently, by the last two figures of the year, in light):

January: With, February: B, March: C, April: D etc
1985: I; 1986: II; 1987: III; 1990: VI; 1995: XI; 2000: XVI or 2000.
since 2001: 01, etc 2007: 07…

Example: Zippo marked L VI goes back to December 1990; a F 07 is of June 2007.

The logo changed three times of style: in 1932, in 1958 and 1980.

Clubs and collectors

The Zippo lighters are regarded as objects of collection having a certain value.

The factory proposes the Zippo Lighter Collector' S Guide with illustrations, descriptions, explanations on the coding of the date which is with the lower part of each Zippo.

Many admirors are found in clubs of Zippo, to exchange, discuss and especially seek rare parts.

Clubs of collectors of lighters exist in England, in Italy, in Switzerland, in Germany, in Japan and the United States. In France, where these clubs are not able to be essential, one can quote “Zippo collection”, which is most active.

zippo collection

See too

Internal bonds

Match
Lighter
To make fire

External bonds

zippo of the war of Vietnam
Gallery of Zippo

history of the lighters zippo
Identifying code of the lighters Zippo

Official site Zippo Manufacturing Company
Zippo France
Zippo Japan

Zippo Click Collectors Club the USA
Zippo Club Italia
Zippo Flame Deutschland

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