Zippo Gemini Zodiac Lighter, Vintage Gemini Zippo Slim Lighter, Zippo USA Windproof order Cigarette Lighter, Zippo Lifetime Warranty Lighter

Zippo Gemini Zodiac Lighter, Vintage Gemini Zippo Slim Lighter, Zippo USA Windproof Cigarette Lighter, Zippo Lifetime Warranty Lighter

Smooth and shiny but shows some use. Glare in photos. Need fluid and flint.

GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION
Please remember vintage goodies are NOT new. Each carry some trace of those who have loved and enjoyed them in the past. Purchase constitutes reading of shop policies. Thank you.

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 order 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.

On August 1, 1950 Zippo was issued its second patent, number 2517191. The design of the Zippo lighter remains basically the same to this day, with minor improvements. Beginning in the mid-50's, date codes were stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter. The original purpose was for quality control, but the codes have become an invaluable tool for collectors. In 1956 Zippo launched the Slim lighter, which was a major milestone. This slightly smaller version of the Zippo lighter was designed to appeal to women but much to his surprise also appealed to men.

Mr. Blaisdell passed away on October 3, 1978. He is remembered not only for inventing the Zippo lighter, but also for his generosity and kind spirit. After his passing, his daughters, Harriett B. Wick and Sarah B. Dorn, inherited the business.

GIFT WRAP and upgraded shipping options available. https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageSavvyDiva