Hi its Andrew from Andrew's Blokey Bits on The Happy Hoarders Tasmania.
I have a collection of Zippo lighters that I will be moving on to a new forever home.
Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Zippo lighters, a true American classic that has become more than just a tool for lighting up.
It all started back in 1932 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, when a man named George G. Blaisdell had a lightbulb moment. He watched a friend using an Austrian designed cigarette lighter that was windproof, but difficult to use. His friend had to use both hands to make it work. It was also made of thin metal which mean’t it could dent easily.
Mr Blaisdell decided to make a practical and stylish lighter that was strong and resilient. After tinkering a lot, the first Zippo lighter rolled off the production line in 1933. It had it’s distinctive rectangular shape and a flip-top design which set it apart from other lighters. He had created somethoing different!
This new lighter sold for $1.95, and came with the now famous, unconditional lifetime guarantee –"It works or we fix it free.™”
Incidentally the name ‘Zippo’ came about because Mr Blaisdell had a fascination for the sound of the word ‘zipper.’ He played around with vaiations of the word until he came up with the name ‘Zippo.’
The very first ‘Zippo’ is on display in Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford Pennsylvania.
What really makes Zippo stand out were its windproof features which Mr Blaisdell had patented. The clever design keeps the flame alive, even when the wind is bhowling.
It was made from durable materials like brass, and then later on steel, making these lighters built to last.
The best part is that they are so refillable!
This means pople can enjoy their Zippo for years without having to throw it away.
A win for both the wallet and the environment.
Let’s move on to World War II where Zippo stopped producing for the civilian market and supplied exclusively to the US military, where the lighter found its way into the pockets of countless soldiers, where this little item reminded them of home.
Many of these lighters were customized with engravings, making them personal keepsakes.
Imagine the stories these lighters could tell!
At the end of the war in 1945, Zippo returned to selling lighters to a peacetime America and the consumer market.
Always the promoter Mr. Blaisdell wanted to hit the road with a car that looked like a Zippo lighter and in 1947 the Zippo Car was born.
As we head ito the 1950’s and up until today, the design of the Zippo lighter has remained basically the same, with minor only improvements.
Beginning in the mid-50’s, date codes were stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter. The original purpose was for quality control, but the codes have become an invaluable tool for collectors in dating their lighters.
In 1956 Zippo launched the slim lighter, the design of which appealed to women but much to Mr Blaisdell’s surprise also appealed to men.
Zippo lighters could be found on the screens of movies, and were featured in pop songs.
Interestingly in the 1960’s people at concerts began raising their lit Zippo’s as a salute to their favorite performers. This gesture was later dubbed the “Zippo Moment.”
Zippo started producing other products. The steel pocket tape measure, or “rule,” as it was called, had a design that resembled the famous lighter.
Other items have been added and then taken out of the Zippo range since the 1960s.
Many of these items were promotional products.
Then in 1978 Mr. Blaisdell passed away.
He is remembered not only for inventing the Zippo lighter, but also for his generosity and kind spirit.
His daughters, Harriett and Sarah inherited the business.
In the 1970s Zippo entered the overseas markets.
People started collecting Zippo lighters, with enthusiasts hunting for vintage models and limited editions. Each one is a piece of history.
As time went on, Zippo didn’t sit idle. The company introduced fresh designs and finishes, from chrome to colorful enamel, catering to a wide range of tastes.
They also expanded their product line to include accessories like lighter fluid and cases, ensuring that Zippo lovers had everything they needed.
In 1993 Zippo acquired the W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. (Hence the Museum in Bradford being called the Zippo/Case Museum).
The Case company manufacturers premium hand-crafted knives including traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to limited-edition commemoratives and collectibles.
From around the year 2000 onwards, Zippo has moved towards sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly practices.
With products made from recycled materials and a strong emphasis on their lighters being refillable.
In February 2010, Zippo acquired the Ronson brand of lighters and Ronsonol fuel.
That same year, they released an all-metal hand warmer, starting the beginning of their outdoor product line, which uses premium lighter fluid to provide its source of heat.
The company experienced rapid growth in 2011 and 2012, due to strong domestic sales and their expansion into overseas markets, particularly in India and China.
During this time, the product line grew to include an emergency fire starter kit, and a flex neck utility lighter.
In 2012 it was Zippo’s 80th birthday. The company had produced over 500 million lighters since their beginning.
The following year, they got started with camping gear and fire accessories, which appealed to environmentally conscious consumers and those looking for an onling shopping experience.
Today, under the leadership of George B. Duke, grandson of the founder, and the President Mark Paup, Zippo's has expanded to include lighter accessories, fragrances, eyewear, and products for outdoor enthusiasts.
The passion of Zippo collectors worldwide is second to none, with clubs organising events to celebrate their shared devotion.
The brand's lighters have also served as effective promotional tools, valued highly by collectors and appearing in over 2,000 films and television shows, from classics like "I Love Lucy" to modern hits like "The X-Men."
The iconic Zippo click has become embedded in music, while the lighters themselves can be found on album covers and even in the tatoos of rock stars.
In this culture of disposability Zippo lighters stand out, backed by a lifetime guarantee that has seen no mechanical repair costs in over 85 years.
They are not just tools for ignition; they are symbols of durability and reliability, and play a big part in American culture and are loved globally.
Zippo's journey from a simple idea to a cultural emblem, shows how resilient they are, and how hugely popular they have become, making each lighter a real testament to creativity and craftsmanship.
Note: We do not own the car (I wish we did).
