Learn about the history of ZIPPO - the greatest and most famous American icon.
INTRODUCTION
The history of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people. From its founder, George G. Blaisdell, to the many employees, customers and collectors who have played a vital role in Zippo's rich history, their loyalty and dedication have made Zippo one of America's greatest and most recognizable icons.
30'S
The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blaisdell watched his friend clumsily attempt to use a cumbersome Austrian-made lighter. Mr. Blaisdell noticed that the lighter worked well in the wind thanks to its unique chimney, but its appearance and design were utilitarian and inefficient. The lighter required two hands to operate, and its thin metal surface dented easily.
In late 1932, Mr. Blaisdell decided to reconstruct the Austrian lighter. He made a small rectangular case and attached a hinged lid to it. He retained the design of the chimney that protected the flame. The result was an attractive lighter that was easy to operate with one hand. The name "Zippo" was created by Mr. Blaisdell. He liked the sound of the word "zip" and so he created variations of it until he settled on the word "Zippo", which he thought had a "modern" sound.
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The new pocket lighter sold for $1.95 each and Mr. Blaisdell offered his now-famous unconditional lifetime guarantee - "It works or we'll fix it for free.™" The original Zippo patent application was filed on May 17, 1934, and patent number 2032695 was granted on March 3, 1936. The first Zippo pocket lighter, made in 1933, is on display at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford.
In the mid-1930s, the Kendall Refining Company of Bradford ordered 500 Zippo lighters. These lighters are considered to be the first corporate advertising lighters produced by Zippo and are highly prized collectors' items.
40'S
World War II had a major impact on Zippo. After America entered the war in 1941, Zippo ceased production of lighters for the consumer market and dedicated all production to the US military. This initiative led to the production of Zippo lighters with a steel case and a black crackle finish. The fact that millions of American soldiers carried this lighter into combat was a major catalyst in establishing the Zippo brand as an American icon around the world. Catering to the military market led to full production at the plant and allowed Zippo to become financially strong and a viable company.
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At the end of the war in 1945, Zippo returned to selling lighters to peacetime America and resumed manufacturing lighters for the consumer market. Mr. Blaisdell was a promoter at heart and wanted to hit the road with a car that looked like a Zippo lighter, and in 1947 the Zippo Car was born.
50'S
On August 1, 1950, Zippo received its second patent, number 2517191. The design of the Zippo lighter has remained essentially the same to this day, with minor improvements.
Since the mid-1950s, codes have been stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter, indicating the date of manufacture. Originally intended for quality control, the codes have become an invaluable tool for collectors.
In 1956, Zippo introduced a major milestone with the Slim lighter. This slightly smaller version of the Zippo lighter was designed to appeal to women, but to his surprise, it also appealed to men.
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60'S
In the 1960s, concertgoers began raising the flame of Zippo lighters as a salute to their favorite performers, which was later dubbed the "Zippo moment."
In 1962, Zippo produced its first non-incendiary product. The steel pocket tape measure, or "rule," as it was called, had a design that resembled the famous lighter. Since the 1960s, other products have been added and dropped from the Zippo line. Many of these have been focused primarily on the promotional products division, including key chains, golf greenkeepers, pencil and pen sets, and the ZipLight flashlight.
70'S
Mr. Blaisdell died on October 3, 1978. He is remembered not only for the invention of the Zippo lighter, but also for his generosity and kind spirit. Upon his death, the business was inherited by his daughters, Harriett B. Wick and Sarah B. Dorn.
In the 1970s, Zippo began to expand into foreign markets.
80'S
In the 1980s, the company was owned by six members of the Blaisdell family, including Mr. Blaisdell's daughters and their children.
90'S
In 1993, Zippo acquired the WR Case & Sons Cutlery Company. Case's rich heritage began in 1889 when it was founded. The company moved to Bradford in 1905. Case manufactures premium hand-crafted knives, from traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to limited edition commemorative and collectible items.
The Zippo/Case Museum opened in July 1997. The 15,000-square-foot facility includes a store and museum. It also houses the world-famous Zippo Repair Clinic, where visitors can watch the repair process.
NEW MILLENNIUM
In the fall of 2002, Zippo obtained a trademark registration for the shape of the Zippo lighter, a significant milestone that helped protect the brand from counterfeiters.
In early 2000, Zippo also introduced the first multi-purpose lighter, the Zippo MPL®, a refillable utility-type lighter.
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10. YEARS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
In February 2010, Zippo acquired the Ronson lighter brand and the Ronsono fuel brand.
In 2010, the company introduced an all-metal hand warmer and launched Zippo Outdoor products. The hand warmer uses premium Zippo lighter fluid and provides a consistent source of heat for longer than any other product on the market.
Zippo's continued expansion in overseas markets, particularly India and China, and strong domestic sales led to record sales increases in 2011 and 2012.
In 2011, the Zippo Outdoor product range was expanded to include an emergency lighter set and a lighter with a flexible neck.
In 2012, the company's 80th anniversary, Zippo lighter production surpassed the 500 millionth lighter.
The Zippo/Case Museum was also remodeled in 2012 to better reflect the Zippo brand. The modern design features a combination of rich and rugged textures, such as leather and brick, and a mix of vintage artwork and lifestyle photography.
In 2013, Zippo launched a line of rugged camping gear and fire accessories under the Zippo brand.
PRESENT
Today, the sole owner and chairman of the board of directors of Zippo is George B. Duke, grandson of Mr. Blaisdell. Mark Paup is the president and CEO of the company.
Zippo's diverse product line continues to grow and now includes lighter accessories, multi-purpose butane lighters, men's and women's fragrances, lifestyle accessories, eyewear and products for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are many Zippo collectors around the world. Their passion and dedication to the brand is unmatched. To enhance the collecting experience, Zippo collectors' clubs around the world hold meetings and other events throughout the year.
Companies around the world continue to use Zippo lighters as an advertising and promotional tool. These "advertising" lighters remain a collector's favorite.
Perhaps one of the greatest influences on collecting is Zippo's connection to popular culture, Hollywood, Broadway and the music industry. Zippo lighters have appeared in over 2,000 films, plays and television shows over the years. Zippo lighters have starred in productions as diverse as "I Love Lucy", "The X-Men" and "Hairspray - the Musical". Often, the lighter is a key prop that serves to advance the plot or reflect the personality of the character or period depicted. The famous "click" sound of the Zippo lighter has been sampled in songs, and the lighters themselves have appeared on album covers, tattooed on the skin of rockers and used in photo shoots for Rolling Stone magazine.
In a world where most products are disposable or come with a limited warranty, the Zippo lighter is backed by a famous lifetime warranty . In over 85 years, no one has ever spent a penny on mechanical repairs for a Zippo lighter, regardless of its age or condition. The Zippo lighter is rooted in American culture and is a global icon of durability and reliability.
The complete collection of Zippo lighters and Zippo accessories, including the Zippo fashion collection, can be found HERE .
