Oldest zippo lighter


The lighter’s quality comes at a price. com – History of vintage lighters and where to buy online. 49. Our collection of luxury vintage lighters is meticuasily curated, restored, and made available from the historic center of Delft, The Netherlands. Buy It Now. 1970. 95 and coming with a lifetime guarantee. 70. 29. FREE shipping Add to General Care. Click to learn how to replace the wick in any vintage petrol lighter. Our Century Vintage Zippo Lighter 1999 Collectible Of The Year Mib. Then turn the inner assembly upside down and lift the felt retainer. WARNING Buying or selling without iGuide could be hazardous to your wealth! Jul 20, 2023 · The history of Zippo lighters begins with an American inventor, George G. 36 Vintage Retro Collectible lighter lot Group 4Pcs Gas Collection Lighters 210gr. The Iconic Zippo Lighter Is Born. net. com. But even more valuable are the so-called Old New Stock or Mint in Box lighters. $79. Pieces in mint condition are a good investment. Express Delivery Worldwide. (246) $140. A vintage 1933 model Zippo lighter sold for $18,000 in 2003. This would only last for three years, after which Blaisdell began working in his family’s machinery company. 60 $ 17. It featured a horse illustration on its side. Stamping (2)Stamping (2 products) Texture (11)Texture (11 products) ClearApply Apply. 436. $4. List Price: $29. Clean spilled fluid of the outside of the lighter. 95 price tag. Check out our old vintage zippo lighter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our lighters shops. Starting in the mid 50’s, a date code was stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter made. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Morisk Cool Kerosene Lighters Fluid Refillable, Cute Cat Pipe Lighter with Removable Brass Lighter Case/Insert, Reusable Vintage/Antique Trench Flint Lighter, Unique Gifts for Men Women (Black) 10. $80. Regular Lighter Right Side. Then, try lighting the Zippo to see if it’s completely refilled. Jun 26, 11:00 AM EDT. $7. $2899. The Ultimate Zippo is a 1932-33 "tall" Zippo model and is the holy grail for most Zippo collectors. Canned air or a compressor will come in handy to blow the old flint dust from the lighter. FREE delivery Sat, Jun 8 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. machine in 1969 which caused the "canned" bottom of the lighter to be more dented in. $31. Dupont lighters are highly sought-after a Jun 30, 2008 · By Eric Beeson — June 30th, 2008. The original concept for the cigarette lighter can be traced back to German inventor Carl Auer von Welsbach in the late 19th century. Vector illustration. List: $18. 37 watchers. An American Icon Turns Ninety. FREE shipping. Special Features: Features the classic, automatic push-button mechanism. Join Prime to buy this item at $15. Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping. Feb 3, 2023 · For example, an 18-karat gold custom Zippo lighter retails for $12,000. Insert the spout of the fluid can and squeeze. (246) $119. Finish. The original purpose was for quality control. Bechtel Zippo Lighter (Source: ebay) 2. He patented a pocket-sized device called the Zippo Lighter 4. In 2007, at the 75 th anniversary celebration of the company, Zippo sold a mint condition 1933 model Zippo lighter for more than $37,000. 5%. $175. May 4, 2017 · As with most collectibles, the date of manufacture of a Zippo lighter often affects its value. New Listing 1991 Marlboro Solid Brass Zippo Lighter - Commemorative Stamp 1932-1991 - Unused. Today, the brand enjoys a very high, unaided awareness rate worldwide. The juice flows out of the can and into the cotton fluff inside the lighter. FREE shipping Add to List Price: $29. Customer repair services available. FREE delivery Fri, Jun 14 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. That same year he created the first Zippo lighter, in an attempt to make cigarette lighters easier to use. down on the right side. Quick View. 00 (30% off) FREE shipping. To this date, the company proudly boasts that "no one has ever spent a cent on the mechanical repair of a Zippo lighter regardless of the lighter's age or condition. Therefore, you can easily find an antique lighter for anywhere between $25-$100. Jan 27, 2021 · For example, a set of six pristine vintage Zippo lighters from the mid-century sold for only about $40 - about $6 a piece. In 1932, George G. The original owner purchased the lighter at a store in Bradford, PA and it has been in the same family ever since. Black Plastic on Purple Matte finish over solid brass. $28. 5,240 sold. The date code has since become an invaluable tool for Zippo collectors. $299. Welcome To VintageLighter. Jan 16, 2023 · Faberge Chimpanzee Table Lighter. 815. Nov 10, 2016 · The patent date was 1936, but the Zippo lighter had already hit the market by 1932, costing $1. Stellar quality. 615. " An assortment of antique lighters is available at 1stDibs. Rare Bob Dylan Two Sided Route 61 Zippo Lighter. The fluid can is simply a can. Another common element in naphtha lighters (the Scripto Vu-Lighter would be one exception) is the rayon balls or cotton filling that absorb and hold the fuel. FAX: 1. SMS Text: 1. Antique lighters have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Besides, it’s one of the earliest automatic lighters and is made of Sterling silver, making it worth a lot. But, being connected to famous people, made from a famous The Birth of Zippo: Innovation and Design. Zippo Collectors Set Of 2 Logo Frame Lighters, Chrome and Brass, New In Dual Box. The Zippo Manufacturing Company was founded by George Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, in 1932. Blaisdell came up with the Zippo lighter after watching a friend struggle with a windproof lighter from Oct 31, 2019 · 87 years later, Zippo manufactures about 70,000 lighters per day in their Bradford, Pennsylvania, facility. 47. Vintage Ronson Desktop Lighter, English Lighter, Vintage Gas Lighter, Wooden Ronson Lighter. Frequently made of metal, silver and sterling silver, all antique lighters available were constructed with great care. Instead, it was covered with a special black crackle paint. Most lighters fabricated between 1933 and 1957 can be identified by style and model and the patent or patent-pending marks. T. . Pre-Owned. If you like the video, let me know, it always makes me incredibly happy to read your comment Vintage original 1960s Zippo Lighter (Not working) (311) $73. A base and a bakelite flame have attached to a tall New items are sourced weekly. Stop filling when the fluid reaches the top of the packing, or begins to change zippo lighter souvenir from vietnam 1972-1973 - zippo lighter stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Zippo lighter souvenir from Vietnam 1972-1973 Zippo Manufacturing Co. Zippo has invested significantly to promote its high-quality products and build a globally recognized brand. The bottom is covered with green felt. IM Corona – best tobacco pipe lighter. go to your local place that sells new zippo branded lighters and ask to see one. 57. $200,000. $1799. 7000. FREE delivery Wed, Jan 3 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Although the price range for this category of collectible Zippo lighters is relatively manageable, some rare patented Zippo lighter designs are sold for up to $400, such as the Vintage Zippo Lighter Patent #2032695 Bechtel Somatic. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. The basic types of antique or vintage lighters are manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Police Revolver League (1971-72) Rare! Pre-Owned · Zippo. Dispatch Within 24 Hours (M-F) Showing 1–20 of 116 results. home Zippo Lighter Price Guide. Save 10% with coupon. Take care when opening and closing the lid, misuse and overuse of the hinge can cause damage. Hinged Barrel, Engine Turned, Gold Gilt Metal Etui. (72) $45. 428. Phone: 1. or Best Offer. RARE Vintage 1996 Brass Great American Train Embossed ZIPPO LIGHTER - Unfired! (764) $ 199. 20 shipping. Dupont MiniJet Torch Flame Lighter, Black & White Zebra 10072, New In Box. Also, at this time, Zippo changed the "Z" logo on the word Zippo and gave the letter "Z" a "tail" hanging. Whether you need an insurance appraisal, estate appraisal, or just a professional opinion, iGuide is ready to help. Regular Lighter Left Side. The legal age to purchase a lighter in the United States is an essential regulation for public safety. The process begins with large sheets of Feb 27, 2023 · The Value of Vintage & Collectible Zippo Lighters. FREE shipping 40 yr old "Lucky Fuck" Vintage Brass Lighter Case w The date code has since become an invaluable tool for Zippo collectors. Jul 30, 2019 · The Zippo Brand dates back to 1932 when the first Zippo pocket lighter was built. $1299. Available in hundreds of designs. Yusud Vintage Trench Lighter, Cool Pipe Lighter Butane Refillable, Antique Flip Lighter, Retro Soft Flame Table Lighters, Unique Birthday Gift for Men Women. The lids of the lighters snapped shut. The car had a public address system, radio, and tape recorder, to play music over The first modern lighters, called a Döbereiner’s lamp, were patented in 1823. Vintage Ronson Windii Windproof Chrome Flip Top Refillable Lighter. 20 New. 01. Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime. Remove the inside unit from the case. Yet, rare or commemorative Zippo lighters still have significantly higher values; for instance, this Zippo Lighter commemorating the moon landing is listed for nearly $700 in one online auction. With a flick of the wrist, the Zippo lighter closes with a clang and disappears back into a pocket. It is a global icon of durability and reliability. A cheaper antique lighter from Zippo costs $44 on various internet sites, while the most expensive one costs $925. by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers. It passed hydrogen gas over a metal catalyst to ignite it, creating a small jet of flame. 63. Vintage Zippo Lighters for sale, where to buy them online, history and price guide. $99. Dec 28, 2022 · The cigarette sparks to life as the man take a long drag, and the cherry begins to glow. $100 8 Bids. 00 New. Brand New · Zippo. 00 (10% off) Nov 12, 2022 · Sleek design. Keep up with proper wick and flint maintenance. $64. What you can expect to find: Largest selection of working vintage lighters in the city including table lighters and full smoking sets. A benefit of this finish is that it would not Vintage Zippo Lighter, Collectible Zippo Lighter, Made In USA, Retro Zippo Lighter, Vintage Petrol Lighter, Old Liquid Lighter (385) $ 78. Put us to work. The condition of a lighter is highly important for collectors. Not all antique lighters or vintage ones are worth money; being old doesn't make something special. $110. Lighters are often used to start fires, and they can be particularly dangerous in Jul 13, 2018 · A Dunhill silver & gold rollagas lighter pair that sold on our Lighters auction. Sep 2, 2020 · Collecting Zippo Lighters - A Hobby. These so-called 'Tall' models are extremely rare and are readily distinguishable by a flat bottom, square corners and an outside hinge. Personalized Zippo lighter, old lighter, Arthur Shlby black steel cigarette lighter, birthday idea, personalized Valentine's Day gift (255) Sale Price $29. Dupont. The first Zippo lighters were introduced by George G Blaisdell in early 1933. Beautiful and Rare Cartier Oval Lighter 925 Stamped Silver with Red Lacquered Panels. [6] Wash your hands and put away your lighter fluid before trying to light the Zippo. Check out our antique old lighters selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our lighters shops. 6d 11h. 9%. Antique Nassau Sterling Silver Lighter. Rarity. Blaisdell pushed the first insert into the first case of what would be the first Zippo lighter in 1933, more than 600 million Zippo lighters have been sold. Flaming lighter zippo. (338) $37. Zippo lighter icon. Standard size 1-7/16 inches wide by 2-1/4 inches high. 800. 00 (20% off) FREE shipping. 133. 2. Zippo Retro Zippo Design Vintage Brushed Chrome Windproof Lighter, 49801. 6580. 43 shipping. 531. The lighters had removable neon flames that lifted out and were placed in the back seat for travel between events . 8 BALL ZIPPO LIGHTER NEW OLD STOCK Vintage 1993 CAMEL CIGARETTES w/ Ashtray Tin. oz Fuel Fluid And 1 Flint & 1 Wick Value Combo Gift Set. (65) $56. The Lighterhouse is one of the world's leading lighter boutiques. zippo_original (8,402) 99. Fusion (18)Fusion (18 products) Laser 360 (23)Laser 360 (23 products) Laser Engrave (86)Laser Engrave (86 products) Zippo lighters are durable, refillable and built for a lifetime of use. VINTAGE ZIPPO TABLE TOP LIGHTER BARCROFT. Get the best deals on Vintage Lighter Lot when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. The process of determining the age of an old Zippo lighter is aided significantly by Zippo’s date codes. If it doesn’t light on the first three tries, go back and add more lighter fluid. hold it in your hand and flip the lid open with your thumb. Zippo Vintage High Polish Brass Pocket Lighter with Slashes Pocket Lighter. Dupont, and many more. $139. 10. 00 (25% off) Check out our old pocket lighters selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our lighters shops. Slim Lighter Left Side. This chrome-plated, adjustable-flame, butane-saving lighter is ideal for those who wish to gain control over—and maximize the value of—their pipe smoking. Find the lighter that is perfect for you - several models and hundreds of designs. Made in U. The Zippo lighter is an iconic piece of American history that has been around for over 80 years. In this article, Eric Beeson talks about collecting vintage cigarette lighters, including brands such as Zippo, Ronson, and Dunhill. 1426. 00 (33% off) Check out our 1960s zippo lighters selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our lighters shops. 90 shipping. Brand New. George G. Vintage cigarette cases. Method 2. Do not alter or damage the insert, this could cause the lighter to malfunction. 2) the zippo "click". FREE delivery Thu, Jun 13 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. A. An antique lighter from 1905, this Nassau lighter is valuable because it’s over a century old. that sound is unique to all real zippos. Since George G. Here You Will Find - Lighters and other related items from the early 20th century by makers such as Ronson, Evans, Thorens, Zippo, Regens, and other lesser known companies that produced highly unique fire making devices. 20. Pre-Owned · Unbranded. Cigarette lighter collecting is a hobby that never gets boring. Vintage lighter brands, for sale, price guide, values and information. Mar 9, 2024 · Get the best deals for zippo old lighter at eBay. Huge selection of ashtrays (retro advertising / MCM) Genuine antique crystal decanters and ashtrays. Age requirements for a lighter vary depending on the state, but buyers must generally be 18 years old or older. Nov 24, 2022 · Oldest Zippo Lighter The oldest Zippo lighter on record was manufactured in 1933 and has been passed down through generations of a family in Pennsylvania. Zippo windproof lighters are backed by a famous lifetime guarantee. £ 625. May 19, 2021 · However, the majority of these early lighters are actually listed for cheaper than newer ones are, due in large part to the fact that Art Deco lighters and Mid-Century lighters are by-far more popular among collectors. kitchencrafthub (8) 100%. Zippo used a new press. By design, it was better for lighting a room on fire than lighting it. He got his idea after discovering a large and bulky Austrian made pocket lighter. Custom Zippo Lighter! Personalize This Genuine Zippo with Your Image or Logo! Customized Zippo lighters are a Great, Birthday Gift, for Man or Woman or Even for You! 1,510. The earliest lighters were created as long ago as 1820 and became a common accessory by the 20th century. (1. With their sleek design, timeless style, and unmistakable sound, Zippo lighters have become synonymous with portable, reliable, and stylish lighters. Great for Lighting Candles. Celebrating 90 Years of Zippo Manufacturing. There are simply no finer lighters in the world than those from S. Zippo Windproof Chrome Lighter With Regal Design & Zippo Logo, 51154, New In Box. 60 1967 Sante Fe All The Way Zippo Slimline Advertising Lighter. 95. $20. Ronson Flints 6 per Card for Your Flint Type Zippo Lighters. Information on the bottom of every Zippo windproof lighter can Understanding the Importance of Age Restrictions. C $54. LEARN MORE. Zippo Windproof Lighter High Polish Brass Vintage with Slashes (270) $21. Offering a vast collection of Cartier, Dunhill, S. 99. We got a look at how these lighters are made. True vintage or antique versions vary from high-end, elegant collectibles made from precious materials to gauche novelty items. 09 (15% off) Mid 20th Century Enamel Case by RONSON 1950s Rare Hand Painted Butterfly & Floral Motif. New Listing VIntage Zippo Lighter RCA Sanford Electronics Vintage NYC Advertising Lighter. 88. 85. 1. Ronson Standard Monogrammed Standard Lighter, Vintage Lighter, Small Vintage Lighter, Vintage Cigarette Lighter. $44. (2) $20. Pre-Owned · Zippo. Find it all here, at The Lighterhouse. derosnopS. $5. Get in touch! → Email: admin@iguide. 00 shipping. (9) $3. " Elsewhere: "it works or we fix for free. -41% $ 17 53. Slim Lighter Right Side. TO PURCHASE - Email me using the above link for current information regarding additional pictures, availablilty, shipping Mar 31, 2024 · Let the Zippo sit and absorb the lighter fluid for 1 to 2 minutes. FREE Returns. $3299. CAMEL ZIPGUARD Plastic on Purple Matte Lighter (Zippo CZ346, 2000) ZIPPO CAMEL ZIPGUARD lighter, circa 2000. 6k) Jul 18, 2019 · Hit it with the 3/32 first and a good portion of the time that will be the only work required to clear that tube, lickety-split. Blaisdell was an oil engineer who saw an audience for a good looking lighter that would function even in windy conditions. Some famous Zippo lighters include those from the Vietnam Era and those from the Art Deco era. Hint: Use an unfolded paper clip or similar tool if the pad is hard to lift. 200+ bought in past month. Or fastest delivery Tue, Mar 12. 99 New. 66. $3495. Blaisdell introduced the first Zippo lighter, igniting a spark of innovation. Inspired by a bulky Austrian counterpart, Blaisdell aimed to create a lighter that was reliable and functional in challenging weather conditions. Color: Brushed Brass Vintage. Vintage lighter icon. Blaisdell, was a Town and Country model that was made from 14 karat gold. 00. $23. When you consider these prices, the cost of a regular Zippo lighter doesn Vintage Zippo Lighter, Collectible Zippo Lighter, Made In USA, Retro Zippo Lighter, Vintage Petrol Lighter, Old Liquid Lighter (384) $ 78. Diagonal corner lines were added for decorative Zippo from 1932 to 2022 - Timeline – Zippo USA. Zippo Red Matte Lighter - 233-000602. , on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Est: $30 - $300. Turn it over and lift the felt pad to reveal the packing material in the fuel chamber. Slowly saturate the packing material with lighter fluid. LUCKY GAMBLING LIGHTER - Working 1960s Gambling Dice Flip Top Rare Vintage Old Antique Lighter. Personalized 1941 Zippo Lighter with Free Engraving, Old English Font. Lighter cases decorated with lions sit at the company's plant in Bradford, Pennsylvania, U. 36 Vtg USA ZIPPO LIGHTER Bronze Venezia Traditional Flint Gasoline Cigarette Lighter, Old Zippo Flint Lighter, Collectible Gas Zippo Lighter (156) $ 55. That was over 600 million Zippo lighters ago! ZORRO Pure Copper Kerosene Lighter Personalized Lighter Vintage Lighters for Men Cigarette Cool Lighter for Fathers Day & Christmas Gift. SALE ! Vintage Gun Pistol Lighter Chrome Metal Mid Century Cigarette Tobacco Historical Flintlock 1900s Cival War Style Japan Nice Free Ship. 48. $140. Typical: $19. Lighter fluid can harm some finishes. The bottom of every Zippo lighter features a series of symbols which serve as code marks. Arrives before Father's Day. Buy Collectible Lighters Online. Save up to 20% when you buy more. $15. C $89. Little did he know that his invention would stand the test Overview. Jun 10, 2024 · 5. 423. Buy It Now on eBay. Typical: $37. S. With a water-resistant exterior, this 2-in-1 flashlight is a USB rechargeable lighter. Jan 11, 2018 · The method used to fuel the wick sometimes varies but you must have a wick in the hole or your fuel will run out. S. Last one. FREE delivery Mar 14 - 15. 5. 45. 00 (15% off) Officially, the World War II Zippo was the 1942-45 Black Crackle Zippo. $16. 34. Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Blaisdell dropped out of school in grade five, after which his father sent him to a military academy. Smokers and non-smokers alike have used Zippo A 1947 Chrysler Saratoga, with lighters stretching above the roofline and the word Zippo on the front grill. Vintage Zippo Lighter Duo: Rare Collectible Standard Size & Sleek Slim Model. 1930s – Zippo Manufacturing Company is established with the production of the first Zippo lighter – complete with our famous lifetime guarantee. 1) the only steel zippos where made during ww2 and for a short while around 1953. note the distinct metallic "click" it makes. Although on the official site of the Zippo Manufacturing Company, the least costly items cost $34. Sep 10, 2020 · A special one-of-a-kind lighter produced for George B. It worked broadly on the same technology as gaslights, but burned hot and burned fast. vintage Lighter Zinc Alloy Metal Gold Cigarette Lighter. Bottom of lighter reads: Zippo C 2000 XVI Bradford, PA. Two Old Tins, Renewal Flints for Spark Lighters, Oxweld and Ugite Gases Inc, Tiny Metal Storage Tins, Work Shop Garage Decor, Free Shipping (868) Sale Price $17. Buy It on eBay for only: $15. He would be astonished today to discover that millions of Zippo fans around the world are collecting, buying, selling, swapping and talking Zippo Collectible Lighters. (312) $21. 24 shipping. 95, and the most expensive ones cost $135, the antique lighters are far more affordable. Jul 1, 2022 · Instead, opt for this Tacamo arc lighter, which features an integrated LED flashlight and a lanyard. Whether you’re using it on a rugged adventure or in your home at night, there are endless uses for this lighter. Blaisdell. Year. Antique Rope Lighter, Aproximately 1950s, Old Lighter, Made de Lux, Rare Item, Collectible, Aged, Good Patine, Memorabilia, Useable, Stylish. goldtwo (11,050) 99. Word War II Black Crackle Zippo Lighters. Opens in a new window or tab. $10. When matched to the chart below, you can determine what year the lighters were produced. It is 2 7/16” tall, ¼ taller than later models and were produced in 1933 only. Just by browsing eBay auctions for ten minutes, for example, I recently found a lighter shaped like a lion Browse 40+ old zippo lighters stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The Zippo seen below is a earliest known Zippo table lighter designed as an experimental model for George Blaisdell by one of Zippo's first employees. He moved the chimney, added a sturdy hinged metal case, and offered the world an affordable $1. Lighters are one of those practical collectibles like cars and jewelery that, when taken care of, you can use them every day for decades. Gold Bar Pocket Lighter for Men Dad Husband Old School Lighter (Empty of Gas: Butan not Include) Symbole of Prosperity Collectible Lighter. Therefore there are two different logos on a 1969 lighter. 00 We SELLSTORIES. If the obstruction is neither immediately cleared nor good progress observed, then hit it with the smaller 5/64 drill bit. Collecting Zippo Lighters. 51. FREE delivery Wed, Jun 12 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Check out our old zippo lighter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our lighters shops. Personalize it. For example, in one online auction, this New Old Stock Memory of Japan Lighter, Cigarette Case - Blue Enamel Design - Mt Fuji, Cherry Blossoms - Working Vintage Lighter. Oct 6, 2022 · Old Zippo Lighter Restoration | Zippo. When it appeared on eBay with the letter from Duke requesting its creation, it was sold for $12,000 in 2009. Cincinnati Ohio HTF. Sponsored. The appearance of the word "Zippo" in the bottom stamp provides another clue to dating. 36 $ 29. C $23. Stop filling when the fluid reaches the top of the packing, or begins to change color. mygiftstop (120,437) 98. Was: $90. There have been three major changes, as show below. Free shipping. (43) $34. Includes D XVI insert. mitmc-1966 (53) 100%. Nov 28, 2022 · ABOVE (L to R): Refilling a Zippo: First pull the innards out of the case. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Vtg Lot of 5 Total Tobacco Cigarette Lighters Various Makers & Advertisements #2. 6 bids. 3. 3%. 99 (30% off) FREE shipping. Brand New · Zippo, Zippo, Zippo. Only 14 left in stock - order soon. $13. Vintage 1960 Zippo advertising lighter REILLY-DUERR TANK CO. Zippo is aggressively protecting its trademark by asserting its legal rights to stop Rare Penguin Cygnus Lighter - US Army Haneda Officers Open Mess, Tokyo International Airport - Aluminum Block Lighter -New Old Stock Working. Or fastest delivery Thu, Jun 6. 76. Due to materials shortage during the war, Zippo had to use the more porous metal steel instead of brass, and the lighter could not be finished with chrome or nickel. eBay (790) Magazine. Beautiful Cartier Panther Decor Lighter. $9. Blaisdell invented the Zippo lighter in 1932. Show & Tell. (290) $269. Naturally, not all vintage Zippo lighters are easy to find. Share. 400+ bought in past month. Condition. Duke, the grandson of Zippo founder George G. Ronson 40544 Coilite USB Rechargeable Hot Pink Lighter Ron40544. Dating Zippo Lighters: Date Codes. The better the condition, the higher the value. Famous for their "perfect cling," S. cp wa mw ce ry yb ji bf il vn