Zippo! Over 70 Years Old

[jpmcwjr]

11 minutes ago

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Just received my great uncle's Zippo lighter, 70 years after his death. So I am more than mildly interested in finding its probably date of manufacture. Could be pre-1900 based on his life.
It's very similar, but not identical to a brand new Zippo, pictured.
The main difference is in the hinge, as well as the spot welds holding it. The corners are more rounded, and the new one is maybe 1mm taller.

I may see if I can get it to work. Got it. There was an obstruction preventing the flint to be in contact with the striking wheel. Think it was hardened flint dust.


Of course if anyone has more insights, I'd love to hear them.

 

[mikestanley]

The date code is on the bottom of the case.

Mike S.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Thanks. Hope this is clear enough.

 

[canucklehead]

 

[jpmcwjr]

Thanks! Looks like between '37 and '50......

 

[mso489]

In this time of disposable everything, the idea that a useful object can last 70 years, especially something somewhat mechanical, is inspiring. I remember the old, very early refrigerators that were still working when I was a child, some of those about fifty or sixty years old. Also, many items were readily repaired by lay people, or at least repair people. The Ford Model T was expected to be maintained by home repair. Imagine that.

 

[BROBS]

Closer to 1950 as the corners are more rounded than one made closer to the 30’s.
And excellent find and in great shape. Fire that baby up in memory. ?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Done!

But not '50 as I doubt he was gifted anything after being dead for four years!

 

[mikestanley]

Did he serve in WWII? That would have been a very thoughtful gift for a soldier.

Mike S.

 

[BROBS]

Done!

But not '50 as I doubt he was gifted anything after being dead for four years!

Haha no I didn’t meant necessarily 1950 but more that direction than 1930. ?

 

[cshubhra]

Cool find!

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Zippos are a great piece of Americana. You have a family heirloom that will still be in working condition generations from now if taken care of. Very cool ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Nothing prior to 1900 as the first Zippo was produced in 1933, but what a find! Both historically and sentimentally!?

 

[Chasing Embers]

In this time of disposable everything, the idea that a useful object can last 70 years, especially something somewhat mechanical, is inspiring.

Indeed, I have a Nimrod lighter and a Bowers trench lighter, both from the '30s, and prior to my ownership had never been used.

 

[ray47]

Maybe contact Zippo with your information and the photos and see if they could be of some help.

Zippo Manufacturing Company

Shop quality, authentic Zippo windproof pocket lighters in classic, pipe, or Slim®; add a new butane or rechargeable lighter insert too! Shop for a butane or rechargeable Candle Lighter, refillable or rechargeable Hand Warmer, sunglasses, reading glasses, and leather goods.

www.zippo.com

 

[jpmcwjr]

Did he serve in WWII? That would have been a very thoughtful gift for a soldier.

Mike S.

No; probably the Great War aka WWI much later. He was old in the 40's.

 

[Papamique]

Done!

But not '50 as I doubt he was gifted anything after being dead for four years!

If he passed away in 1946 and zippo started in ‘33 then you are narrowing the date down within 13 years! Another nice lighter.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yep! I am going to contact Zippo to see if they have any interest in it- (not to buy it!) but historically. Certainly underlines the longevity and workability of those fine little machines.

 

[trubka2]

Very cool! I love using everyday articles passed down from my grandparents. My couch, for example, and bits of kitchen gear.

 

[mikethompson]

Wow! What a cool item to have from your family history. How did it make its way to you now?