The Zippo lighter has been a popular back-pocket accessory to millions of people worldwide
since it first entered the marketplace in 1933. The Zippo lighter is small, lights in all weather
conditions (including high winds) and comes with a lifetime guarantee. To date, Zippo has
produced over 400 million lighters and repairs and average of 100,000 per year
The road to creating the popular Zippo brand lighter was paved with innovative design and
unsurpassed customer service. George G. Blaisdell, company founder and Zippo lighter
designer, lead the industry to new heights when he purchased the rough design for the
Zippo in 1932 from an Austrian company that had produced the world's first wind-proof lighter.
The Austrian lighter that Blaisdell used as his initial design model was encased in a deep
body and had a removable top, making the lighter easy to hold, yet cumbersome to manipulate.
Using the model as a starting point, Blaisdell modified the Zippo lighter to look and feel like it does today.
Blaisdell began the process of redesigning the Zippo lighter by creating an easy-to-hold rectangular case. He modified the lid so that it was attached to the new case and, therefore, difficult to lose and easy to use. Finally, he placed the actual lighter wick into a small cylindrical case to protect it from the wind. Finally, Blaisdell named his invention. Blaisdell had always enjoyed the mechanics of the zipper, so the Pennsylvania- based inventor named his product "Zippo."
Zippo began branding company logos and other trademarks onto the case of the lighter. People then began collecting Zippo lighters with different brands on them, such as Coca-Cola and Jack Daniels. Now, Zippos are sold in over 120 countries around the world and have become a staple for all serious Americana collectors. What's more, Zippo lighter fan clubs have organized in many cities all over the world. Club members gather regularly to trade Zippo lighter stories and showcase their Zippo collections.
Since 1933, the Zippo lighter has been providing smokers, campers, hikers and
the like and invaluable tool for gaining quick and reliable access to fire. With a flick
of the lid, the Zippo lighter provides a flame in just about any weather, including
extreme wind and freezing temperatures.
Unlike standard lighters, the benefits of the Zippo lighter include constant flame, a refillable lighter fluid compartment, a rust-proof body and an easy to access flame. Many people fiddle for hours with standard lighters - trying to remove the child safety lock or hold down the hot depressor. With the Zippo lighter, one need only to flip the lid and hold the full body of the lighter - adding stability and assuredness to users.
A further benefit of the Zippo lighter is that it's personable. It's a wonderful gift, keepsake
and memento. Most lighters are throw-aways and do not last for more than a few uses.
Investing in a Zippo lighter saves money in the long-run and provides the customer with
a product that they never have to purchase again. Wouldn't it be great if all products
came with that kind of warranty and customer service.
Each lighter comes with a unique stamp on the bottom of the casing, adding style and authenticity to the product. The stamp either reads "Bradford, PA" or "Niagra Falls" as these are the two locations where authentic Zippo lighters are or were produced.
Despite its global growth and widespread appeal, Zippo still holds its
headquarters in its hometown of Bradford, Pennsylvania- a town now
fueled by the Zippo lighter industry.
