Zippo

Dates In History

• 6.05.1895
• 6.01.1933
• 3.27.1938
• 12.01.1938
• 2.14.1940
• 3.03.1936
• 5.08.1943
• 11.24.1943

• 

  6.05.1895

  Mr. Blaisdell's Birthday

  Mr. George Blaisdell was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on June 5, 1895.

• 

  6.01.1933

  Rickerson & Pryde

  Zippo occupied the Rickerson & Pryde factory. This became Zippo's first building.

• 

  3.27.1938

  Barbour Street

  The first building that Zippo purchased was on Barbour Street.

• 

  12.01.1938

  First National Ad

  The first national ad for Zippo appeared in Esquire magazine.

• 

  2.14.1940

  Pantograph Engraving

  Pantograph engraved initials replaced metallic initials on the lighters.

• 

  3.03.1936

  First Patent

  Zippo's first patent number 203269 for the Zippo windproof lighter was granted.

• 

  5.08.1943

  Zippo in the Military

  Zippo's newspaper ad announced that all production is dedicated to the armed forces overseas.

• 

  11.24.1943

  Gen. Eisenhower

  A letter to George Blaisdell from General Dwight D. Eisenhower read, "It's the only lighter I've got that will light at all times."

• 5.30.1944
• 6.06.1944
• 9.25.1944
• 6.16.1947
• 8.01.1949
• 9.04.1949
• 1.07.1950
• 5.01.1950

• 

  5.30.1944

  Ernie Pyle

  War correspondent Ernie Pyle devoted a national newspaper column to Zippo lighters and George Blaisdell.

• 

  6.06.1944

  D-Day

  Walter Nadler inscribed a lighter while making the D-Day crossing. The lighter is currently displayed in Zippo museum.

• 

  9.25.1944

  Gen. MacArthur

  A letter to Mr. Blaisdell from General Douglas MacArthur read, "It is a real work of art which I shall use constantly."

• 

  6.16.1947

  Original Zippo Car

  The original Zippo car was purchased by George Blaisdell.

• 

  8.01.1949

  Zippo Canada

  Zippo opened a plant in Canada.

• 

  9.04.1949

  Town & Country

  The Town and Country imprint process was introduced.

• 

  1.07.1950

  Blaisdell Foundation Established

  Zippo founder, George G. Blaisdell established the Philo and Sara Blaisdell Foundation in honor of his parents.

• 

  5.01.1950

  Lady Bradford

  Zippo's Lady Bradford table lighter introduced.

• 8.01.1950
• 3.06.1951
• 12.24.1952
• 2.02.1954
• 8.01.1955
• 9.15.1955
• 6.08.1956
• 3.07.1957

• 

  8.01.1950

  2nd Patent Number

  Second lighter patent number 2517191 was introduced.

• 

  3.06.1951

  Zip Slip and Zireen

  The introduction of two unusual Zippo products: Zip Slip zipper lubricant and Zireen skin ointment.

• 

  12.24.1952

  New Building

  George Blaisdell announces plans to construct that 3 story office building on Barbour Street.

• 

  2.02.1954

  I Love Lucy

  Zippo introduced the table lighter that was featured on 82nd Episode of the sitcom "I Love Lucy".

• 

  8.01.1955

  New Offices

  The new office building at 33 Barbour Street became the new corporate office.

• 

  9.15.1955

  Headquarters Open House

  Open House for the grand opening of the new Zippo headquarters located on 33 Barbour Street.

• 

  6.08.1956

  Slim Lighters

  Zippo's Slim lighters were introduced.

• 

  3.07.1957

  Etch Paint

  The Etch/Paint imprint process was introduced.

• 7.31.1958
• 6.10.1957
• 4.17.1960
• 2.21.1960
• 4.26.1964
• 5.16.1966
• 5.24.1965
• 5.18.1966

• 

  7.31.1958

  Date Codes Started

  Date codes were stamped on the bottom of the lighter.

• 

  6.10.1957

  25th Anniversary

  Zippo celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

• 

  4.17.1960

  Zippo Rule

  Zippo's Rule was a 6' Pocket Tape Measure that was introduced as an Advertising Specialty item.

• 

  2.21.1960

  Moderne and Corinthian Table Lighters

  Zippo introduced the Moderne and Corinthian table lighters.

• 

  4.26.1964

  Zippo Knife

  Zippo introduced a knife that included a blade and a nail file as an Advertising Specialty item.

• 

  5.16.1966

  Zippo Belt Buckles

  Zippo belt buckles were introduced to the Ad Specialty Division.

• 

  5.24.1965

  UK Distribution

  W. A. Ingram, a distributor in UK began selling lighters.

• 

  5.18.1966

  Fuel Plant Opens

  The first fuel plant opened on Congress Street in Bradford.

• 12.31.1967
• 10.23.1969
• 1.02.1970
• 4.04.1972
• 3.12.1973
• 2.24.1975
• 1.23.1976
• 5.21.1976

• 

  12.31.1967

  Malta Distribution

  Captain Carunna, currently known as N.M. Arringo, the Zippo distributor in Malta, began selling lighters.

• 

  10.23.1969

  Moon Landing

  The Zippo lighter commemorating the Moon Landing was introduced. This was the last Zippo lighter manufactured using the Town and Country imprint process.

• 

  1.02.1970

  Out-A-Matic Ashtray

  Zippo Out-A-Matic Ashtray was introduced in the Ad Specialty Division.

• 

  4.04.1972

  40th Anniversary

  Zippo presented their 40th Anniversary lighter.

• 

  3.12.1973

  Zippo Key Holders

  The Zippo Key Holders were introduced.

• 

  2.24.1975

  Lustre Etch

  The Lustre Etch engraving process was introduced.

• 

  1.23.1976

  Zippo Magnifier

  Zippo's magnifier was first introduced.

• 

  5.21.1976

  Bicentennial Lighter

  The Bicentennial lighter commemorated the 200th Anniversary of America.

• 10.03.1978
• 1.12.1980
• 3.08.1980
• 4.25.1980
• 9.01.1980
• 2.03.1982
• 3.01.1982
• 6.04.1982

• 

  10.03.1978

  Zippo Loses Founder

  George G. Blaisdell passed away while traveling in Florida. His integrity and knowledge was passed down from generation to generation in the Blaisdell family.

• 

  1.12.1980

  The 1980- Presidential Election Collectible

  To mark this special day a commemorate lighter was imprinted with a donkey and elephant motif and featured in Zippo's ad campaign.

• 

  3.08.1980

  Zippo Pill Box

  The Zippo pill box was introduced.

• 

  4.25.1980

  Handilite Base

  The Handilite base was introduced. This enabled a regular Zippo lighter to become a table lighter.

• 

  9.01.1980

  Zippo Deck set

  Zippo's playing cards were introduced.

• 

  2.03.1982

  Brass Lighters

  Brass lighter cases were introduced to commemorate the 50th Anniversary.

• 

  3.01.1982

  Cut-About Knives

  The First Zippo cut-about knife was introduced.

• 

  6.04.1982

  50th Anniversary

  The 50th Anniversary gala celebration begins.

• 2.04.1982
• 3.18.1988
• 3.30.1988
• 9.23.1988
• 4.06.1990
• 9.05.1991
• 5.14.1992
• 7.20.1986

• 

  2.04.1982

  Contempo Lighters

  Zippo introduced the Contempo Refillable butane lighters.

• 

  3.18.1988

  Replica Lighters

  The first original Zippo Replicas were presented.

• 

  3.30.1988

  New Key Rings

  Zippo's different assortment of key rings were introduced.

• 

  9.23.1988

  200,000,000th Lighter

  The 200,000,000th Zippo lighter rolls off the production line.

• 

  4.06.1990

  Leather Pouches

  Zippo introduced a leather lighter pouch that hooked onto your belt.

• 

  9.05.1991

  Refacing Begins

  The reconstruction of the Barbour Street corporate offices began.

• 

  5.14.1992

  First Collectible of the Year

  The First Collectible of Year introduced was the 60th Anniversary.

• 

  7.20.1986

  Date Codes Changed

  Date code changed to letters and Roman numerals.

• 1.11.1993
• 5.28.1993
• 9.12.1993
• 1.21.1994
• 6.07.1994
• 8.05.1994
• 1.24.1995
• 6.06.1995

• 

  1.11.1993

  Varga girl, Windy

  The Varga girl, Windy was introduced as the second collectible of the year.

• 

  5.28.1993

  Zippo Purcheses W.R Case

  Zippo purchased W.R.Case & Sons Cutlery Company.

• 

  9.12.1993

  Vintage Grand Prix

  The first U.S. Vintage Grand Prix took place at Watkins Glen International Speedway in Watkins Glen, NY.

• 

  1.21.1994

  D-Day 50th Anniversary Lighter

  Zippo introduced the D-Day 50th Anniversary collectible.

• 

  6.07.1994

  Zippo Museum

  Zippo Family Store & Museum opened.

• 

  8.05.1994

  National Zippo Day

  The first celebration of National Zippo Day.

• 

  1.24.1995

  Mysteries of the Forest Collectible Lighter

  The Mysteries of the Forest collectible lighter was first introduced.

• 

  6.06.1995

  Top 100 Marketers

  Zippo was named one of the top 100 Marketers of the Year by Ad Age magazine for marketing the famous lighter as a collector's item and as a portable flame for multiple uses.

• 7.21.1995
• 1.10.1996
• 2.29.1996
• 3.02.1996
• 4.05.1996
• 1.18.1997
• 1.19.1997
• 7.18.1997

• 

  7.21.1995

  First Swap Meet Zippo/Case

  The first Zippo/Case International Swap Meet in Bradford.

• 

  1.10.1996

  Joan Pin-up collectible

  This Joan Pin-up collectible of the year was introduced.

• 

  2.29.1996

  First Zippo Website

  The launch of the first Zippo Website (ZippoMFG.com).

• 

  3.02.1996

  Writing Instruments

  Zippo writing instruments were introduced.

• 

  4.05.1996

  Zippo's 300,000,000th Lighter

  The 300,000,000th Zippo Lighter rolls off of the production line.

• 

  1.18.1997

  Lady Barbarba Collectible Table Lighter

  The Lady Barbara collectible table lighter was introduced for Zippo's 65th Anniversary.

• 

  1.19.1997

  Zippo 65th Anniversay Lighter

  Zippo's 65th Anniversary lighter introduced.

• 

  7.18.1997

  Zippo/Case Museum

  The Zippo/Case Museum Opened.

• 7.19.1997
• 10.10.1997
• 1.09.1998
• 5.10.1998
• 1.14.1999
• 1.16.2000
• 1.01.2001
• 1.08.2001

• 

  7.19.1997

  Tom Ridge Tours The ZCVC

  Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge tours the Zippo/Case Visitors Center on the second day it was open.

• 

  10.10.1997

  Zippo UK

  W.A. Ingram a UK distributor, became a wholly-owned subsidiary for Zippo UK.

• 

  1.09.1998

  Zippo Car Collectible

  The Zippo Car collectible of the year was introduced.

• 

  5.10.1998

  The Zippo Car

  The current version of the 1947 Zippo car was delivered to Zippo. The debut was at the Zippo/Case Visitors Center.

• 

  1.14.1999

  Millennium Titanium Case

  Zippo introduced the Millennium Titanium case for the new collectable lighter.

• 

  1.16.2000

  Keeper of the Flame

  The Keeper of the Flame collectable of the year was introduced.

• 

  1.01.2001

  Zippo Date Code Changed

  Windproof lighter date codes changed to letters and two digit numerals.

• 

  1.08.2001

  Hollywood's Leading Light

  Hollywood's Leading Light saluted Zippo with its own Hollywood star on a new gold dust finish.

• 3.24.2001
• 1.05.2002
• 1.25.2002
• 1.29.2002
• 1.31.2002
• 7.01.2002
• 7.10.2002
• 7.31.2002

• 

  3.24.2001

  Tokyo Swap Meet

  The first Japanese Zippo Swap Meet took place in Tokyo.

• 

  1.05.2002

  70th Anniversary Collectable

  Zippo introduced the 70th Anniversary collectable lighter.

• 

  1.25.2002

  Friends for a Lifetime Collectible Lighter

  Friends for a Lifetime collectible of the year introduced. This is the last Zippo Collectible of the Year.

• 

  1.29.2002

  Brushed Finish Slim Lighter

  Zippo introduced the brushed finish for the slim lighter.

• 

  1.31.2002

  Slim Spectrum Finish

  Zippo's Slim Spectrum lighters were introduced.

• 

  7.01.2002

  18K Signet Lighter

  300 Commemorative 18K gold Signet lighters were produced by Zippo owners, Sarah Dorn and George Duke, to honor GGB on Zippo's 70th Anniversary.

• 

  7.10.2002

  Zippo Click

  Zippo Click collectors club was established.

• 

  7.31.2002

  Zippo Canada Closing

  Zippo Canada closed manufacturing operations.

• 8.09.2002
• 2.15.2003
• 6.30.2003
• 9.03.2003
• 4.18.2004
• 7.03.2004
• 1.09.2005
• 1.31.2005

• 

  8.09.2002

  MPL Introduced

  Zippo's Multi-Purpose Lighters were introduced.

• 

  2.15.2003

  Armor Lighters

  Armor heavy wall lighters were introducted as part of the stock line.

• 

  6.30.2003

  Knock-Off Zippo

  A deadline for U.S. retailers to remove the knock-off Zippo lighters from their shelves was enforced. It is now illegal to sell a fake Zippo.

• 

  9.03.2003

  400 millionth Lighter

  The 400,000,000th lighter was produced.

• 

  4.18.2004

  Zippo Hot Tour

  Zippo Hot Tour events begin in the U.S.

• 

  7.03.2004

  60th Anniversary D-Day Lighter

  10,000 Limited Edition 60th Anniversary D-Day lighter sets were introduced to the public.

• 

  1.09.2005

  3against1

  The San Diego rock quartet 3against1 won the competition as the most popular band in the 2004 Zippo Hot Tour. 1200 bands entered the online contest.

• 

  1.31.2005

  Very Odd Jobs

  The Zippo Car and driver, Brent Tyler, was featured on an episode of "Very Odd Jobs" on the Discovery Kids network in Canada.

• 3.04.2005
• 4.28.2005
• 6.11.2005
• 8.13.2005
• 8.10.2005
• 8.14.2005
• 9.23.2005
• 7.01.2006

• 

  3.04.2005

  Daytona Bike Week

  The Zippo Car appeared at Daytona Bike Week in Daytona, Florida.

• 

  4.28.2005

  Carol Channing

  Broadway star, Carol Channing and husband Harry Kullijian took a tour of the Zippo/Case museum.

• 

  6.11.2005

  Laconia Bike Week

  The Zippo Car traveled to the Laconia Bike Week event in Laconia, New Hamshire

• 

  8.13.2005

  Zippo 200

  The first Zippo 200 Busch Race took place at Watkins Glen International Speedway in Watkins Glen, NY.

• 

  8.10.2005

  Mini MPL Introduced

  Zippo's Mini Multi-Purpose candle lighter was introduced.

• 

  8.14.2005

  Sturgis Bike Week

  The Zippo Car celebrated Sturgis Bike Week in Sturgis, South Dakota

• 

  9.23.2005

  Historic Grand Prix

  Zippo sponsored the Historic Grand Prix of Watkins Glen.

• 

  7.01.2006

  Headquarter Street Lighters

  Zippo street lighters line the street in front of Zippo global headquarters in Bradford, Pennsylvania in celebration of Zippo's 75th Anniversary.

• 7.18.2006
• 10.23.2009
• 1.01.2010
• 8.13.2011
• 1.11.2012
• 10.10.2011
• 1.01.2012
• 6.04.2012

• 

  7.18.2006

  75th Anniversary Collectible

  Zippo presented the commemorate 75th Anniversary lighter to the Zippo Click Club.

• 

  10.23.2009

  Tennessee Swap Meet

  Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville, Tennessee hosted first Zippo/Case Swap Meet.

• 

  1.01.2010

  Zippo Fragrance

  Zippo launches first fragrance, The Original.

• 

  8.13.2011

  Zippo Jeep

  Zippo Jeep was unveiled at Watkins Glen International Speedway in Watkins Glen, NY. The Jeep was created to be the Zippo Outdoor ambassador .

• 

  1.11.2012

  Men's Fragrance

  Zippo launches On the Road, the fragrance was created as a symbol of strength and vital force.

• 

  10.10.2011

  Zippo.com

  A new Zippo.com was released October 10, 2011 enabling consumers to customize their own lighters.

• 

  1.01.2012

  80TH ANNIVERSARY

  Zppo celebrates 80 years of success.

• 

  6.04.2012

  Zippo/Case Museum Store Gets NEW Look

  Nearly 15 years after Zippo/Case Museum opened its doors, the store went through an extreme modernization and face lift.

• 6.5.2012
• 10.01.2012
• 10.02.2012
• 07.18.2013
• 10.03.2013

• 

  6.5.2012

  500 Millionth Lighter

  500 Millionth Lighter rolls off the production line in Bradford PA.

• 

  10.01.2012

  Woman's Fragrance

  Zippo launches The Woman, a sensual fragrance inspired by confident and independent woman.

• 

  10.02.2012

  Zippo launches Into the Blue, a fragrance inspired by freedom and the power to dream.

• 

  07.18.2013

  Zippo takes over joint venture’s stake in the distribution of Zippo products in Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, and Spain.

• 

  10.03.2013

  Featuring Windy, one of Zippo's most beloved icons since her introduction in 1937, the 2013 Collectible of the Year is released.