Zippo: History

Introduction

The history of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people.  From its founder George G. Blaisdell, to the many Zippo employees, customers, and collectors who have all played a vital role in the company’s rich history.  Their loyalty and dedication has made Zippo one of America’s greatest and most recognizable icons.

1930s

The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s, at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania.  Mr. Blaisdell watched a friend struggle awkwardly to use a cumbersome, Austrian-made lighter.  Mr. Blaisdell noted that the lighter worked well, even in the wind, due to the unique chimney, but the appearance and design was utilitarian and inefficient.  The lighter required the use of two hands to operate and its thin metal surface was easily dented.

In late 1932 Mr. Blaisdell decided to reconstruct the Austrian lighter.  He fabricated a small rectangular case and attached a lid with a hinge.  He preserved the chimney design which protected the flame.  The result was an attractive lighter that was easily operated with one hand.  The name “Zippo” was created by Mr Blaisdell.  He liked the sound of the word “zipper” so he formed variations on the word until he settled on “Zippo,” which he felt had a “modern” sound.

The new pocket lighter sold for $1.95 each and was backed by Mr. Blaisdell’s, now famous, unconditional lifetime guarantee ­–”It works or we fix it free.™” The application for the original Zippo patent was filed on May 17, 1934, and patent number 2032695 was granted on March 3, 1936.  That first Zippo pocket lighter, produced in 1933, is on display at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford.

In the mid-30’s, Kendall Refining Company in Bradford, placed an order for 500 Zippo lighters.  These lighters are believed to be the first company-advertised lighters produced by Zippo and are highly prized collectibles.

1940s

World War II had a profound impact on Zippo.  Upon America’s entry into the war in 1941, Zippo ceased production of lighters for consumer markets and dedicated all production to the U.S. military.  This initiative led to the production of the steel-case Zippo lighter with black crackle finish.  The fact that millions of American military personnel carried the lighter into battle was a significant catalyst in establishing Zippo as an American icon throughout the world.  Supplying the military market resulted in full production for the plant and enabled Zippo to become financially strong and made it a viable company.

To be continued…..