George G Blaisdell was the man who invented zippo lighters way back in 1932, this was in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The word Zippo is a derivative of zipper, the inventor liked the sound of the word zipper and this was patented as a result. The price for the first lighter was $1.95. Engraving was started in 1935. In 70 years the basic concept of it has not changed at all. Zippo ran their first ever national advert in 1937 in the Esquire magazine.
Betweem 1934 and 1940 over 300,000 lighters were sold. In total its estimated Zippo has made over 400 million lighters. About 12 million are produced each year todate. A funny fact is a lighter was removed from a fish in the 1950's and it lit the first time. There are 15 collecting clubs around the world at present.
21% of the people who own one are actually collectors, if all the ones made were stetched end to end they would cover over halfway around the world. An average one weighs 2.05oz and a slim one weighs 1.50oz.
With over 400 models take your time and browse online, theres bound to be one that suits you, they make ideal gifts and presents. Any questions on zippo lighters just email us we will be glad to help.
