Collecting Zippo
Collecting Zippo Lighters
Collectables come in all shapes and sizes. Some people collect stamps, some people collect bottle caps, and many people collect various Zippo lighters. What makes lighters an interesting item to collect is the sheer amount of different varieties that have been created over the past 80 years or so. There are standard models but also some very unique items that can be worth thousands of dollars. If you are wanting to start collecting or are a collector already, there are a few different things you should consider.
Personal Preferences
If you decide to become a Zippo lighter collector, it doesn't necessarily mean you should buy every single Zippo you can get your hands on. You can find tons of them in pawn shops and yard sales but they might not be worth your time unless you see something special in them. You need to keep your personal tastes in mind. If you are ex-military and only want military type Zippos, you probably won't want to spend money on something that won't match your collection. It might be tempting to collect every one you can find but you may end up with more than you realize.
Condition of Used Lighters
Collectables are usually meant to be kept in pristine condition. You won't want to spend too much money on used Zippo lighters unless they are in very good condition. The outside of the lighter is probably the most important part to check thoroughly because most of the internal components are easily replaced. You want to check the outside of new purchases for any dents or deep scratches and avoid them if they don't look easily fixable. Believe it or not, many small dents can be fixed by simply pulling the lighter apart and pushing on the inside area opposite the dent.
Spread the Word
If you are collecting Zippo lighters, make sure to let your friends and family know. Especially if they are going on vacation to a foreign country in the near future. You can sometimes get amazing gifts from your friends and family if they know you are collecting. Wouldn't you rather have something you really like instead of a new pair of slippers every holiday? If Christmas is coming, it's a good time to mention to your spouse or parents a particular style or model you want to add to your collection. Zippos aren't terribly expensive unless they are antiques and you can probably get what you want without much fuss.