Collecting Zippo Lighters
Zippo began in 1932 and since its inception has produced more
than 400 million lighters. Catering to American, European, and Asian
markets with several designs introduced. Every lighter carries the
world famous Zippo Lifetime Guarantee in that lighters sent back to
the factory in Bradford, PA, USA will be restored to full mechanical
operation free of charge. All Zippo's are manufactured at the Zippo
plant in Bradford, PA. The only exception was a factory in Niagara
Falls, ON, Canada that was in operation from 1949-2002. The Canadian
plant was shut down in 2002 and all production returned to Bradford.
When collecting Zippo's, the condition is everything. Purchasing
and keeping a Zippo in mint condition will return value in the long
run. Striking the lighter once will only decrease the value and
great care should be taken to ensure no damage to the finish occurs.
Keep all original packaging and papers that come with the lighter. A
variety of themes and methods to display your Zippo Collection are
available. Several limited edition runs are available, including
prototype materials. These all will have serial numbers marked on
the lighter and should come with a certificate of authenticity.
Like all collectables you need to be on the lookout for
counterfeits. Familiarize yourself with the properties of a Zippo.
The bottom stamp should display a date or date code, Z I P P O or
the current Zippo Logo, manufacturing location, and patent number
depending on the year. Many counterfeits have turned up with very
poor quality Front Stamps. Take some time to research how the
lighters have looked over the years. Clues include the number of
hinge barrels, the hinge being welded to the inside or outside, were
the edges 'canned' for that particular year, and the shape and size.
Becoming a Zippo collector is similar to becoming an art
collector. There are several regular prints on the market; they may
look great so you pick one up for your collection or to display.
There are also limited edition prints on the market, as there are
with Zippo's. The purchase of a limited edition run is that much
rarer and will hold its value far better. Take the time to find
designs you like and would be proud to show. With the variety of
themes there is a Zippo out there for everyone.
More Info
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Date Codes & Bottom Stamps
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Related Links
Zippo Website
Zippo Click Website
Additional Article Information
This article was written by
Christopher Skjonsby
This article was posted to theCitySage.com on February 1st 2009.
This article has been cross-posted at Helium.com under the title
"Collecting Zippo Lighters" and can be found by following
this link. CLICK HERE
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