Zippo Facts
Zippo lighters are available in a remarkably large assortment of varied models and colors. The first Zippo that was made in 1932 is considered to be the Holy Grail – the first of a long string of prestigious lighters. Since Zippo was launched, it has sold about 425 million lighters in 30 different models. What a collection! Here is a summary of the different Zippo collectibles that have accumulated over the years.
Zippo: The Lighter that Creates Jobs
The 1930’s was a time of severe depression in the United States. Many citizens lost their jobs, wealth, and even their real estate. Although there were some that slacked off due to their rich stature, the vast majority was trying its best to figure out ways to make money. Mr. George Blaisdell was a part of that majority and consequently discovered the Zippo lighter.
At the beginning, the Zippo Company was a small business situated on Rickerson & Pryde on Boylston Street. There were only three employees making the actual lighters, which were based off the concept of Austrian lighters. Blaisdell wanted his lighter to be compact and one-handed, so that smokers would have as little trouble as possible when lighting their cigarettes.
The original 1932 Zippo was rectangular in shape with a hinge that covered the body and its three barrels. However, the model was soon revised the following year. The lighter was modified so that it was smaller by a ¼ inch, and thereafter Zippo went on to become one of the most famous lighters in history. When it first debuted, it was sold for $1.95. Blaisdell also decided to implement a lifetime warranty for all of his lighters and thus provided free repair.
Other business officials saw that they could advertise their business by means of Zippo lighters. As a result, Marlboro and the Kendall Refining Company have had long-term relationships with Zippo. The concept was phenomenal, especially for the purpose of advertising. A lot of these advertisement lighters have become valuable collectibles. However, they are pretty rare and can be sold at high prices. Everyone should be on the lookout for these jewels!
Zippo: Its Collection Thus Far
The Zippo has become a way to track history – the war ridden era of four-star general Douglas MacArthur, an new era of sports such as football and golf, and more.
During World War II and the Vietnam War, Zippos were used for more than just lighting a cigarette. Soldiers utilized the Zippos for a variety of purposes, such as heating food.
Here is a list of Zippo Collectibles:
1. 1937 Wind-Dame
2. Zippos embossed with the signature of General MacArthur
3. Table lighters – the Barcroft model and the Lady Bradford model
4. The abandoned Modern and Corinthian
5. Zippo’s NASA
6. 1982 replicas of the original lighter
7. Vintage series
8. Coded series
9. Zippo Blu
10. Animal Series.
11. Americana.
12. Astrological series
13. Regional Series
14. Middle Ages and Fantasy Series
All these collectibles are bound to please any Zippo collector. These various models are available for viewing online. In addition, Zippo collectors can consult Zippo booklets or even accessories for guidance. If you have friends who also enjoy Zippo collecting, you can work together and try to collect each and every one of these collectibles.
In addition to the Zippo lighters themselves, there are other types of Zippo memorabilia that you can collect. Past Zippo advertisements are especially noteworthy, and can be found in old magazines. A bunch of these ads have been photocopied and framed. These old advertisements can be valuable to any Zippo collector and therefore, you should keep your eyes open these hidden treasures.