Types of zippo lighters. Original Zippo lighters. Zippo lighter sizes

Everything you need to know about the Zippo petrol lighter.

Choosing a lighter is not as simple a process as it might seem.

First you need to decide - gas or gasoline?

Of course, gas is more practical and among gas lighters there are several very good manufacturers who create a variety of models to suit every taste. For example, if you often go on hiking trips, then you should definitely pay attention to protected gas lighters.

But only gasoline lighters give that unique feeling of carving fire out of stone; a gasoline lighter is a sign of taste, composure, and attention to detail. What can we say, we all love gasoline lighters for their color and light flair of retro charm.

Among gasoline lighters, the recognized leader is Zippo. In general, after the Austrian IMCO ceased to exist in 2012 and was bought out by the Japanese, Zippo was practically left without competitors.

Lighter Zippo 150SPSL "Black Ice" (Peter and Paul Fortress)

With the exception of a wide variety of factories producing counterfeit Zippos.

The easiest way to avoid purchasing a fake is to buy from Soldier of Fortune. “Soldier of Fortune” always holds accountable for the assortment that it offers. If "Soldier of Fortune" says it's a Zippo, then it is.

But there are other ways to spot a genuine Zippo in a sea of ​​counterfeits:

1. Genuine Zippos have a stamp on the bottom. Since 2008 it looks like this:

Every detail has its place here. The letter on the left indicates the month of issue. The inscription ZIPPO must have a flame instead of a dot over the i. The number on the right is the year of manufacture. The new line reads BRADFORD. PA and necessarily – MADE IN USA.

2. There are eight symmetrically located holes on the windscreen (but in the past there were exceptions, for example, the Zippo 1941 Replica had as many as 14 holes). The screen itself, when viewed from above, has a perfect oval shape.

3. The wheel-chair has clear symmetrical notches intersecting at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal, while on fakes they are often straight.

4. It’s not so simple with the wick either. It is made of polymer material with woven copper thread.

5. Now we take out the inner housing. There should be inscriptions on the inside of the case. They are also stamped, but in a thin font. On the one hand it is “For best results use ZIPPO flints and fluid”, which translated into Russian means “Use flints and ZIPPO fuel for better results” and a repetition of the inscription from the bottom “ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA. Made in ZIPPO U.S.A.” (or it could also be “ZIPPO Made in U.S.A.”). On the other side you will read: “Keep away from children. After filling, wipe lighter & hands before igniting”, which translates as “Keep away from children. After refueling, dry your hands and the lighter itself before use” and the inscription “Lighter does not self extinguish. Close lid to put it out” meaning “The lighter does not go out on its own. Close the lid to redeem." The absence of these inscriptions or errors in spelling is a sure sign of a fake.

6. We look at the lower part of the inner housing, where the gasoline filler is visible, with the inscription “Lift to fill”. A screw can also help you recognize a quality craft. If other methods did not help. Firstly, the screw has notches on the end. And secondly, Americans still, with the tenacity of horned animals, use the English system of measures and, accordingly, the inch specification for threads, while all over the world it is metric. So a screw made anywhere other than the USA will not fit an original Zippo lighter, just as, vice versa, an original Zippo screw will not screw into the inner body of a fake.

7. Well, there are sensory differences. Hold the Zippo in your hands and examine it. This Zippo is made with love and attention.

8. Silicon Zippo is a sheaf of sparks, not pathetic splashes.

9. And the last thing – a unique click. Its sound is patented and very few fakes manage to reproduce it.

So, you have a real Zippo in your hands.

What else could you possibly need?

Petrol

First of all, gasoline. Do not refill your lighter with anything, and do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of using Zippo. Of course, they say aviation kerosene burns well and has almost no smell, but where can you get it? But high-octane gasoline “” can be bought from “Soldier of Fortune”. Pleasant smell (the smell of gasoline is not for everybody, of course, but it’s more pleasant than at a gas station), high degree of purification, and convenient packaging. I use it to degrease surfaces when gluing - it’s very convenient and not sticky, and refilling the lighter is generally a pleasure.

Instructions for refilling a Zippo lighter:

- lift the cotton valve (felt pad)

- fill the cotton wool with gasoline (fill slowly, never overfill)

- return the felt pad to its original position

- place the inner housing back into the outer housing

- wipe the lighter with a cloth to prevent ignition of gasoline that gets on the outer part of the case

Wick

Secondly, you will sometimes need it (although it lasts a very long time). Don't try to insert a bast instead. The wick for Zippo is made of a special polymer material with copper thread woven into it.

How to replace the wick on a Zippo lighter:

- remove the inner housing from the housing

- turn over the inner housing

- the screw head will be visible on the bottom

- carefully unscrew the screw

- remove the felt pad

- remove the cotton valve (use tweezers to remove all the cotton from the lighter body)

- make sure that there are no pieces of old wick left in the channel

- insert a new wick

- pull it from below through the smoke hole using tweezers

- put the cotton wool back in small portions, laying the wick in waves between the layers

- insert the felt pad back

- insert a new flint (if necessary)

- tighten the screw with the spring until it stops

Flint

Flint also tends to run out, especially if you can't resist the pleasure of seeing the lighter wheel shoot out a shower of sparks. at "Soldier of Fortune" they are sold not in a bunch, but in a convenient and practical case.

How to replace the flint on a Zippo lighter:

- remove the inner housing

- unscrew the screw from the bottom of the lighter

- remove the screw together with the spring

- make sure that there are no pieces of old flint left in the channel

- place a new flint in the channel

- insert the spring

- tighten the screw until it stops

- check that the lighter opens easily

With the supplies out of the way, there are still a few things you might need.

Or is good for wearing.

Take care of your Zippo and it will serve your grandchildren.

Zippo lighter known all over the world. It is chosen by heavy smokers and collectors, supporters of an active lifestyle and fans of extreme sports. Everyone knows that Zippo is the most reliable lighter that works even in strong winds, thanks to its windproof lid. Therefore, when going into nature, do not forget to take with you not only ThermaCell mosquito repellent , but also faithful Zippo lighter.

But how exactly does it work? Have you ever been curious to know what's inside? As children, many of us loved to disassemble certain objects, discovering unnecessary parts during subsequent assembly. Let's remember our childhood, take the lighter apart into its components and see how it works.

The entire anatomy of a lighter Zippo you can see in the picture. Each lighter, regardless of its design and the material from which the body is made, consists of 22 required elements. Just 22 parts, harmoniously adjusted to each other, ensure flawless operation of the lighter. Let's study each element separately and understand how they are related to each other.

The lighter can be divided into two parts – external and internal. We can constantly observe the external part - it is a body with a lid.

Lighter case (brass bottom case) usually made of brass. The brilliant silver color is achieved by galvanization. But brass is not the only material used to make lighters. Available in a silver or gold case with various decorations, engravings and even precious stones. A very important element of the body - brass lid, which is attached to the body using reliable loops (hinges) on five hinges and axes (hinge pin).

But under the lid is all the fun!

All the “filling” of the lighter is placed in the inner case. Inside it is gasoline - fuel for the lighter. The wind shield is located on the top of the inner housing. On the front and back of the inner body of original lighters you can always see text warning about the need to handle dangerous objects with care. The inner case (in other words, insert) is closed with a small cover, which is called the top panel or plate (top plate). There are two holes in it: one is for the wick, the other is for the flint tube.

Wick. One of the most important details. To make the wick, a special polymer material is used, into which a thin metal thread is woven.

Eyelet for wick. A small metal ring called an eye or loop is used to thread the wick through. When replacing, you will need to carefully pull the new wick through the eyelet to ensure it holds securely.

Cam. The main feature Zippo company! It is the cam that provides the zippo click - the signature click that is heard when using the lighter. As you can see, this is a very simple device that has a pin and a spring.

Spring for cam (cam rivet). Despite its name, this part does not look like a spring at all. It is made in the form of an oblong plate that runs from the pin to the wick itself. Interestingly, the Zippo company produces lighters with two types of platinum: with traditional or cut corners.

Cam pin (cam spring)– a rivet that ensures reliable fastening of the cam.

flint wheel. This wheel is attached to the windproof cover of the lighter. By the way, a careful study of the wheel will help you distinguish a genuine Zippo from a fake. The original lighters have oblique notches on it that intersect at an angle of 30?. By clicking the wheel, you activate the ignition system, resulting in the flame igniting.

Flint wheel rivet axle– a small rivet responsible for the operation of the wheel.

The ignition system is the heart of the lighter

tube– a thin flint tube becomes one of the key elements of the ignition system. It passes through the entire inner body of the lighter.

Inside the tube is flint. Below is flint spring With spring tip in the upper part (the tip is responsible for the reliability of fastening the entire structure). Between the flint and the inner walls of the tube there is special tube insert, providing strengthening of the tube. At the bottom of the inner housing there is felt pad which prevents fuel from leaking. Gasoline lighter Zippo It is easy to refill by hand, but you must lift the felt pad when refilling. This is even written on its surface: after examining the gasket, you will see the inscription: "Lift to fill" , which literally translates to "Lift to tuck" . A small bolt (screw), which provides fastening of parts.

Inside the lighter there are special balls made of cotton wool or felt (ravon balls). They are soaked in gasoline. If the service life of the cotton balls expires, they can be replaced with regular high-quality pharmaceutical cotton wool.

That's the whole anatomy of your favorite lighter. Can't compare with a human! And no unnecessary details! Everything is in its place, and each element is part of a single whole. Even the smallest detail plays an important role in the operation of the entire mechanism. Anyone can see and study in detail the internal structure of a Zippo, so why can’t other manufacturers repeat the success of the lighter? It remains a mystery.

Tips for maintaining your Zippo lighter

Be careful when refilling your lighter yourself. Remove the inner housing from the outer housing, lift the felt pad and soak the cotton or felt balls with gasoline. It is best to wear gloves to prevent fuel from coming into contact with your skin. Reassemble the lighter and wipe it thoroughly so that no traces of gasoline remain. You should check the lighter after a few minutes, when all traces of fuel have evaporated.

If you have been using a lighter for a long time and the wick is frayed, you can carefully pull it up with tweezers and trim off the frayed tip. You can even completely replace the wick if necessary.

Replacing the wick is very simple, you just need to do this work as carefully as possible. Open the lighter, remove the old wick, carefully remove the felt pad and cotton balls, place a new wick inside by threading it through the eyelet, replace the old or new filler and reassemble the lighter. But when using high-quality gasoline, the “native” Zippo wick lasts for years and retains its original appearance, because when using a lighter, it is not it that burns, but gasoline vapor. If you still decide to tighten or replace the wick, you can adjust its length. The longer the wick, the higher the flame will be.

If you want your lighter to last you almost a lifetime, it’s worth it. She will become your faithful companion on any hikes and trips, just like

Probably every reader of our blog has at least one Zippo lighter. This is not surprising, given the well-deserved popularity of such lighters and their exceptional reliability. But can each of you be sure that he has a real Zippo? The number of fakes is growing as rapidly as their skill, and Chinese folk craftsmen are now producing quite naturalistic analogues, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the original.

In general, today we propose to discuss two questions:

1. How to determine the authenticity of a Zippo?
2. Is it necessary to chase the original if there are cheap analogues? Why pay more?

Let's start, perhaps, with the second one. So what do we have? There are genuine Zippos that are produced for the entire world market in a single factory in Bradford. They are beautiful, imbued with the legendary spirit of America and cost accordingly. There are cheaper options from the Chinese and other counterfeiters. Those that are more modest copy only the shape of the case and the design of Zippo, but at least put a different logo. And more arrogant imitators also sign their products with the name Zippo.

Of course, there is always a chance to find a pearl among the dirt, i.e. buy a quality lighter among fakes. But the risk of purchasing a flimsy and unreliable thing that is not even close to real Zippos is much higher.

Let's compare:

1. The original Zippo is a patented design whose effectiveness has been proven over decades of use. Manufacturers of fake lighters do not always bother to observe the subtleties of design and proportions of parts, because of this the operation of such lighters is not so flawless.
2. Original Zippos are made from materials of excellent quality, while fakes are often low-grade materials, which means your lighter will not last long.
3. The Zippo company carefully selects designs for its models, every drawing is thought out, every line is neat and elegant. That is why Zippo lighters are valued among collectors, because they are works of art in a pocket size. And counterfeit lighters are often distinguished by tacky, crudely applied patterns or sloppy linings.
4. All Zippo lighters have a lifetime warranty. Even if you inherited your Zippo from your grandfather and the wheel-chair is jammed in it, you can send it for free service. Either they will repair it for you, replacing all the necessary parts, or they will return it with an apology and a new lighter as similar as possible to yours. Let us emphasize once again - all this is completely free. Well, of course, no one gives any guarantees for a fake.
5. Zippo is a status brand; such lighters characterize their owner in a certain way. And using a fake Zippo is like wearing Abibas sneakers.

We hope that if you had any doubts about choosing between a genuine and a fake Zippo, we have dispelled them. Well, now let’s remember once again how to distinguish an original from a fake. To do this, do the following 10-step test with the lighter you are interested in:

Step one: evaluate the overall impression. At first glance, a genuine Zippo will not give you any doubt: it will be moderately heavy, moderately smooth (or, on the contrary, rough), will fit perfectly in your hand, and will not squeak or play.

Step Two: Inspect the Case. First of all, evaluate what material it is made of. A lighter made of tin or metal that is unpleasant to the touch, or a cast lighter is definitely not a genuine Zippo; in the original, all materials evoke only pleasant tactile sensations. Also pay attention to the quality of the image and the accuracy of the execution of the applied elements. If there is text on the lighter, check that everything is written correctly. Manufacturers of counterfeits even manage to put inscriptions with errors on the case.

Step three: look at the bottom. In genuine Zippos there is a stamp that confirms originality and allows you to establish the production date of each specific lighter. In fakes, this stamp may not be present at all, or it may differ from the original one. Since 2008, real Zippos have markings on the bottom that look like this:

Every detail matters here, so pay attention to the logo style, the placement of the ® icon (at the top), the spacing of letters in the inscription and punctuation marks (there should be a comma after the word Bradford, and a period after the letters PA). Also note: the letter to the left of the logo corresponds to the month the lighter was produced and can be between A and L. If you see the letter S or R on a stamp, for example, be wary. And the number to the right of the logo can only be Arabic and corresponds to the year of manufacture, so you will not see 24, 57 or 99 there. On the right is a photo of an obviously fake stamp.

However, if you come across an older lighter, the stamp on it may be different. On the website of our colleagues, you can study stamps from different years and date your lighter using them.

Step Four: Open the Lighter. When you open the lid of a genuine Zippo, you hear a recognizable click. The sound of the Zippo click is due to the design features and is even patented, so it can be safely considered one of the signs of originality. We wrote more about how a real Zippo works earlier.

Step Five: Look at the Details. The Zippo company does not leave any detail unattended and every rivet on their product is as impeccable as the entire lighter. Pay attention to fasteners, joints, edges of parts - everything should fit tightly, carefully processed, not stick out, not scratch or attract undue attention. As a rule, a fake can be easily identified by loose hinges connecting the body to the lid, as in the picture on the right.

Step six: take out the insert. First of all, it should come out easily enough, but not fall out on its own. The writing on the inside of the lighter can tell you just as much as the bottom stamps. They also varied from year to year and can therefore form the basis for dating the year of manufacture.

Well, to distinguish a fake from the original, pay attention to the quality of the inscriptions (they are also stamped, not engraved, so they must be clear and easy to read), as well as their text. It must be in English and located on both sides of the insert. On one side: “For best results use ZIPPO flints and fluid” (“Use flints and ZIPPO fuel for better results”), the inscriptions “ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA." and "Made in ZIPPO U.S.A." (or “ZIPPO Made in U.S.A.”). The following should be stamped on the other side: “Keep away from children. After filling, wipe lighter & hands before igniting" and "Lighter does not self extinguish. Close lid to put it out" (“The lighter does not go out on its own. Close the lid to put it out.”)

Please note: the production date of the insert does not necessarily coincide with the date on the case, because these parts are manufactured separately and not necessarily at the same time.

Step Seven: Examine the Bottom of the Insert. There you should see a felt pad labeled “Lift to fill” and a small screw. The gasket may have a different appearance, depending on the year of manufacture. But the screw is quite unique and will help you recognize a fake. Firstly, there must be notches on its end. And secondly, in Chinese pseudo-zippos, the screw threads differ from the original ones, since the Americans use the English - inch - thread specification, and the Chinese use the metric one.

Step Eight: Top View. Now we study the windproof cover. When viewed from above, it should have a smooth oval shape, and on its side surface there should be eight symmetrically located holes on each side (for the gas ZippoBlu, these holes are placed in the shape of the letter Z). If there are more holes, they have an inaccurate shape or are located chaotically, this is a fake.

Step Nine: Look at the Wheel Chair. In the original, the notches on it are arranged crosswise at an angle of 30 degrees, but on fakes the wheel most often has straight notches. The rivets that secure the wheel to the body may also be sloppy (they can be either hollow or solid - both options are found in original zippos). If the wheel does not spin well, this is already a reason to doubt the authenticity of the lighter in your hands. Real Zippos almost never have misfires.

Step Ten: Examine the Wick. In the original Zippo, it is made of polymer material and necessarily contains an woven metal thread, while counterfeits often use a lower quality wick.

If your lighter passes the test on all ten points, well, then there can be no doubt about its authenticity. Well, if you have not yet purchased your first Zippo and are looking for a reliable place where you are guaranteed to be offered original Zippo products, contact stores of authorized dealers. For residents of Russia, these are, in particular, the following online stores:

We do not advise you to chase cheapness and try to buy a quality item at a low price. Don't be tempted to buy a Zippo at the kiosk closest to your home or in an online store with tiny product photos and constantly huge discounts. Contact authorized sellers - and the question of the authenticity of the purchased lighter will not even arise.

We ask you to familiarize yourself with the most frequently asked questions from our clients. If you have not found the answer to your question, contact us.

Windproof lighters

How can I repair my lighter?

The official representative of Zippo in Russia, the Avankorp company, provides a full range of warranty services for your Zippo lighter*. For free warranty repair of your lighter, you must provide it to us in any way convenient for you:

• Send the lighter by Russian Post to the address: 127015, Moscow, st. Vyatskaya, house 27, bldg. 5 (for Avancorp LLC)
• Bring it to us at the address Moscow, st. Vyatskaya, house 27, bldg. 5, 4th floor (company secretariat)

Make sure that the lighter is provided with the necessary explanations about the malfunction (the sooner the technician identifies the problem, the faster the lighter will be returned to its rightful owner). We will send the lighter back by Russian Post as soon as possible and at our own expense!

*Please note that restoring the lighter's appearance is not covered by Zippo's lifetime warranty.

Why does the production date of the lighter not coincide with the production date of the insert block?

There is a strong, but, alas, erroneous opinion that the year and month of production of the lighter (imprint on the bottom of the case) and the similar date on the wall of the insert block ("insert") must coincide, and this indicates the originality of the lighter. But this opinion is false, since the production of plug-in blocks and lighter bodies occurs on different production lines, and the combination of these two parts is carried out by the assembler. At the same time, in frequent cases, there is an “overlap” of dates and this results in a discrepancy, which in no way affects the originality of the lighter.

Why does Zippo lighter fuel evaporate so quickly?

Premium fuel for Zippo lighters is petroleum distillate and evaporates even when the lighter is not in use. Keep the lid closed. To reduce evaporation, keep the lighter away from strong sunlight and heat sources such as a radiator. Tip: If you haven't used your Zippo lighter for a long time, refill it anyway if you plan to go outdoors.

Is it possible to polish a lighter?

How do I refill my windproof lighter?

The lighter must be refilled away from sources of fire and flames.

• Remove the inside of the lighter from the housing. Lift up the corner of the felt pad on the bottom of the insert to expose the cotton balls.
• Slowly soak cotton balls with Zippo lighter fuel. Try to proceed carefully to avoid overfilling. If overfilled, fuel will leak out. Avoid getting fuel on your skin, as... it is an irritant. If it does get on your skin, wash the area of ​​contact thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists or gets worse, consult a doctor.
• Insert the inner part into the body of the lighter, wipe the entire surface of the lighter so that there is no fuel left on it. Wash your hands before lighting. Make sure the canister is closed and there is no spilled fuel near you. Fuel is highly flammable.

If you store your Zippo lighter in your pocket, we recommend that you carry it in an upright position, with the bottom down, especially after the first refill, especially if it turns out to be full.

Why does Zippo fuel smell different from what was previously offered?

Premium fuels Zippo (Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid) and Ronsonol are created using a new formula, which gives less odor. The new fuel burns cleaner, ignites faster and is less irritating to the skin.

Why does Zippo offer both lighter fuel and butane?

Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid is designed for wind-resistant Zippo lighters. Premium butane (Zippo Premium Butane) is used only in Zippo BLU® and Zippo Utility series lighters.

How do I change the wick on my windproof Zippo lighter?

If blackness appears on the wick, pick it up with tongs and pull it out until an unused clean part of the wick appears. Cut off the tip of the wick at the top of the wind guard, and straighten the wick. The wick can only be cut twice before it needs to be replaced.

To replace the wick, use tweezers to remove all cotton balls from the combustion chamber. Insert the new wick downwards through the wind guard, pushing it through with tweezers.

Insert the cotton balls into place, placing the wick in waves in the intervening layers of cotton. Remember to trim the wick to match the height of the windshield.

Why does my Antique Brass ZIPPO lighter wear out?

The coating on the Antique Brass lighter body may wear out. This is due to the presence of copper impurities in the coating, which tends to oxidize and fade. This property is a feature of this model and is not a defect.

How often should I change the wick in my lighter?

Depends on frequency of use. Change the wick when the lighter does not burn properly or after you have trimmed the wick twice.

Do I need to change silicon?

Yes, on average silicon needs to be replaced every few weeks.

How do I change the flint in my Zippo lighter?

• Remove the inner part of the lighter from the housing.
• Turning the insert over reveals the head of the screw that holds the spring that secures the flint. Carefully remove the screw using a small screwdriver or coin (being careful not to lose the spring).
• With the inside of the lighter facing right again, remove any remaining silicon (if any) by gently tapping the inside of the lighter on a hard surface.
• Insert the new Zippo flint into the deep hole where you removed the spring (the brass tip on the end of the spring is not flint).
• Reinsert the spring, then tighten the screw. Insert the inner part into the lighter body.

Can I buy a silicon spring or felt pad for my lighter?

Replacement parts are not sold, but we replace them with new ones if necessary. Typically, during warranty repairs, the technician identifies problems and determines the need to replace a single replacement part or the entire internal part.

Does it matter if I use original Zippo or Ronson products to fill my lighter?

Of course it matters! Zippo and Ronson fuels, butane, wicks and silicones are specially formulated to ensure the best performance of our products. This means that the product spends more time in your hands than in the repair shop.

Can I purchase the interior or body of a Zippo lighter separately?

The individual components of the Zippo windproof lighter are not sold separately.

Provide troubleshooting tips. What can I do to get my lighter working again?

Make sure the wheel produces sparks. If not, replace the flint. Use only original Zippo fuel, flints and wicks for the best performance of your Zippo lighters. Also suitable for use are fuels, flints and wicks purchased from the USA, Canada or Mexico. The soft material used in some lighter flints not made by Zippo (or Ronson) can clog the wheel, making it difficult to ignite the flame. Make sure the lighter is filled with fuel. If it is primed and the flame does not ignite, check the wick. Trim it and replace it if necessary. Make sure that the wick is properly mixed with the pieces of cotton wool (filling) located in the inside of the lighter.

Can I bring my lighter on board an airplane?

If you are traveling outside the United States, check the regulations of your airline or the regulations of the country to or from which you are flying before flying. All domestic flights and most international flights allow you to carry 1 windproof lighter in your luggage. On all US domestic flights, you are allowed to carry up to 2 pre-filled, wind-resistant lighters in appropriate packaging in your screened baggage. New, never refilled lighters can be carried in luggage without restrictions.

What is the warranty for Zippo windproof lighters?

Every Zippo windproof lighter can be returned with our famous "It works or we fix it free." guarantee. For information on how to send your Zippo lighter to us for repair, go here.

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

On our portal we have already seen mentions of Zippo Contempo lighters more than once. Everyone knows that in addition to its “anchor” product - gasoline lighters, Zippo Mfg Company also produced gas models (butane lighters). The most detailed information about these interesting developments was shared with the community of Zippo enthusiasts around the world by the outstanding collector from Germany, Andy.

Butane Zippos were first introduced in September 1985. Patent for them Des. 284,113 was registered by the US Patent Office on December 10, 1984, and was finally issued on June 3, 1986.

A total of 18 models were produced, including both standard and trim models. Standard models also included gas lighters for lighting pipes. The Zippo Contempo is the only Zippo MFG Company lighter to feature the inscription Japan. The fact is that components and spare parts were produced in Japan, and the assembly itself was carried out in the USA. However, there are sources on the Internet according to which the production of Zippo Contempo was carried out entirely in Japan. It could very well have been some little-known outsourcing company that carried out orders and assembly for the Zippo MFG Company. There is no clear answer among collectors. Be that as it may, based on logic, the development of the lighters themselves most likely belongs to the Zippo company, since we know that they were granted a patent for this in 1986.

Here is a clipping from The New York Times, which talks about the then new Zippo lighter:

Zippo Contempo was sold in its original packaging, inside which was a gray suede box (containing the lighter itself) and instructions.

The Zippo Contempo, like the classic Zippo petrol lighters, came with a lifetime warranty:

This series of lighters probably got its name based on fashion and time trends. “Contempo” is most likely an abbreviation for the word contemporary. modern, in keeping with the spirit of the times. This was probably due to the fact that gas lighters at that time were no less common than gasoline ones, and to fill this gap, Zippo MFG Company decided to release their own butane lighters. From our previous articles, you probably all already know how the company loved to experiment.

Please note that replacing flint on standard and trim models is noticeably different:

The positioning of Zippo Contempo, as a rule, also differed from the classic gasoline Zippo. If gasoline Zippos, as a mass product, were positioned as working, reliable lighters that could last in the harshest conditions, then Zippo Contempo was more like a luxury product. This was the company's attempt to enter the butane lighter market. This is indirectly indicated by the prices in the catalogue, given that butane Zippos were sold in the second half of the 1980s:

In 1988, the Zippo Sales Force catalog was published, which talked about the possibility of ordering laser engraving on lighters, including models for lighting pipes.

Zippo Contempo for pipes differed from the usual ones by a more elongated and slightly angled “nose”. In the photo below, on the right is the “tubular” Zippo Contempo, on the left is the standard one:

The Zippo Contempo was discontinued around 1992. The main reasons for the closure of this project were related to the high price of the lighters themselves, as well as their expensive maintenance. Despite this, the lighter has become very popular among collectors and Zippo lovers, and unlike another gas model - Zippo Blu, it is still in demand and finds its admirers.

The article was prepared based on materials from the site http://www.zippo-windproof-lighter.de

Let's move on to looking at Zippo's "colored" coatings. For example, Zippo Black (Green, Pink, Red) Matte.

The word Matte means matte surface in this context. Take an ordinary brass Zippo and cover it with a layer of paint of one color or another. Accordingly, these are not watercolors or gouache, but a specially applied powder coating by sintering. Of course, there can be no talk of any red or black metal, for example. For clarity, I will give an example of a “black” Zippo:

As you can see, if you look from the inside at the lid of the lighter, you can see yellowness, nothing more than the color of the metal from which the body is made.

Since the stamp on the bottom of the lighter is an integral part of its authenticity, since 2003, Zippo began to specifically remove the layer of “paint” from the bottom of the lighter using laser technology on all matte models so that the user could easily see the information that the stamp carries.

Now let's talk about models such as 21063 Candy Apple Red and 21066 Cool Kiwi.

In this case, we are again dealing with “colored” Zippos, but the surface of these lighters, alas, cannot be called matte. Technology has already been used here PVD(eng. physical vapor deposition; abbreviated PVD) - spraying by condensation from the vapor (gas) phase. This happened in 2006. Later, three more models were added, covered using the same technology - candy raspberry, candy teal, toffee.

It all started in 2002, when PVD technology was presented at the next congress of Zippo collectors and lovers in honor of the Zippo Day celebration. At the same time, models from the Spectrum series were shown, the coating of which was carried out using this technology. Spectrum is a very beautiful coating, somewhat associated with a “chameleon”. Apparently the rich color range makes itself felt.

Our favorite Black Ice coating was also applied using PVD technology.

Black Ice- a rather beautiful and original coating, which, in fact, can “play” depending on the lighting. On the one hand, it is black, but, on the other hand, it is shiny, mirror-like, and can therefore shimmer. The result is a kind of mixture in the form of black mirror tinting. Over time, when the coating wears off, its charm is not lost, but begins its new cycle and appears in a different light!

What is PVD technology? PVD is the treatment of a metal surface in a vacuum environment by exposing it to molecules of other metals to obtain a particularly durable and hard surface of the product. Titanium and zirconium are mainly used for the PVD processing process. The PVD process can be used on a variety of materials, including stainless steel and brass. The steel workpiece is first carefully polished, after which PVD treatment is applied. A brass product is first nickel-plated, then chrome-plated, and only then PVD coating is applied.
The main value of PVD technology lies in the ability to modify the surface properties of a product without disturbing the properties and biochemical functionality of the base material. The PVD coating adheres extremely tightly and evenly to the base, does not contain microcracks, and is a protective layer that is resistant to abrasion and scratches. The surface treatment process occurs as follows: in a closed vacuum chamber, zirconium molecules “bombard” the surface of the metal and are distributed among its molecules under the influence of high pressure and temperature (up to 1200°C). Then, within 30 minutes, the metal gradually hardens. Combining vacuum exposure and the hardening process makes it possible to obtain a coating that will have qualitatively different characteristics.

The PVD surface is resistant to scratches, shocks and mechanical stress. Too heavy mechanical loads can lead to mechanical deformations of the material, but its characteristics, including surface strength properties, will remain unchanged.
According to the catalog description, this technology applies a kind of “transparent layer” to the surface of the lighter. And indeed, if you look closely, this is nothing more than the finest coating on the Zippo body!

But if we look at this Zippo model Black Licorice, then here, in essence, a translucent layer has already been applied to the surface of the lighter.

Separately, I want to talk about coverage crackle.

During World War II, the Zippo plant switched to producing lighters made of steel, since all other metals were considered strategic and were used only for military needs. Almost 100% of Zippo products were sold to the US Armed Forces. Steel was used in the production of Zippo up to and including 1945. Lighters of this period were painted with black paint, and then the paint was baked, forming the so-called Black Crackle- black cobweb pattern, or craquelure. This was done so that the metal surface of the lighter did not glare, thereby giving enemy snipers a convenient opportunity to shoot.

This coating should not be confused with a matte type coating. In essence, of course, the principle is the same, both there and there is paint. Only if it is matte, then it is a smoother surface, and crackle, on the contrary, is a rougher and rougher surface. Typically, models black crackle were the main Zippo lighters during the Second World War (and, by the way, the same coating was made at that time on a good dozen other brands of lighters).

Here is a macro photo of a Matawan lighter with the same Crackle finish. It doesn’t matter that it’s not Zippo, the essence is the same and the main thing I want to draw your attention to is the coating itself. This amazing shot allows you to see everything in the finest detail, including the so-called “cobweb” itself:

A very beautiful coating, but, of course, not forever. Here is an example of a Zippo from World War II. Once upon a time it was our all-loved Zippo Black Crackle, but over time the paint peeled off and this classic steel Zippo remained:

Models today crackle, but different colors can be found on the Japanese Zippo market. This model is truly a hit among collectors. There is something unusual about her.

Let's move away from the topic a little and talk about some of the features of the case itself, or rather its material.
In addition to the metal coating of the buildings, in the 1950s. The Zippo company has released lighters coated with leather in different colors. Today, these models can be found at various auctions; they are quite rare and cost accordingly due to the fact that they cannot be called banal and mass-produced models. They, in turn, were divided into models that were completely covered with leather:

And in 1952, they began to produce models that were partially covered with leather:

In the period 1951 - end of 53. The Zippo factory switched back to making steel lighters during the war between North and South Korea, during which the United States sided with South Korea. Over time, the steel on the lighters wore down to its characteristic blackness, so judging how beautiful it is is a matter of everyone’s taste:

In 1974, the Zippo company began producing a series of models Venetian with various patterns of smooth, straight and rounded lines in the Venetian style engraved on the body. More than three decades later, the Venetian series is replenished with new pieces, attracting the attention of not only lighter lovers, but also connoisseurs of beauty, aesthetes, so to speak. Each lighter from the Venetian series is decorated with patterns on both sides.

In the early 1980s. Zippo models from the series were popular Ultralite.

These were ordinary models with four plastic inserts, on which an image was applied accordingly. You can read more about the models in this series.

Another series of Zippo lighters that do not have a completely metal coating - Zippo Scrimshaw.

They began to appear around the same years as the Ultralite series models. The image is applied to the acrylic surface of the lighter, which covers the body. But we will definitely talk about this Zippo series separately.

One of the coatings on Zippo lighters is an enamel surface. We all remember the amazing beauty in the shape of a small white refrigerator. So, its surface is nothing more than enamel.

Although this is not entirely related to this topic, let’s still remember the Zippo model Lossproof– Zippo, protected against loss.

That is, this, of course, does not mean that you will never be able to lose her in your life. There’s just a special loop attached to it, which the lace wraps around. Thus, you can wrap this cord around your wrist and not be separated from your favorite Zippo!

Well, another one of the standout models is Zippo Black Zip Guard. A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of a kind of rubber “armor”.

The regular Brushed Chrome model is protected by an original “shell”, which, if the lighter falls, can take the entire blow, thereby softening an unsuccessful “landing”. This coating is made for ease of gripping the lighter in your hands.

In principle, we have considered the most basic issues of material and coating of the case. Let's gradually move on to the features of applying “decor”. If we think logically, then we will not encounter any overly intricate and complex techniques on the path to the truth. When it comes to serial models, and therefore large-scale production, here, as a rule, the most “traditional” methods of image application are used, namely engraving and “thermal printing”. Here is a Zippo with a picture of barrels of American whiskey - bourbon under the Jim Beam brand.

The technology of “thermal printing” was used here. Having once been the owner of this Zippo, I can say that it is clearly felt to the touch that the design is applied on top of the body, despite the fact that in the photographs everything looks somewhat different. But at the same time, everything was done carefully, with high quality, there were no noticeable marks or artifacts left on the lighter’s coating.

Engraving is another matter. Here the image or inscription is applied IN THE COATING OF THE body itself, and not on top of it.

That is, this does not simply mean printing an image onto the surface of the case. The pattern applied using printing is erased quite quickly with very active use. It is enough to carry a lighter in your pocket with keys, coins, and other metal objects for a couple of months or so and, as they say, the results will be obvious. Some of my colleagues simply erased the drawings with acetone and a rough, hard cloth. However, this does not mean that the drawing will peel off in one day. It all depends on the specific owner. Until you “help” your Zippo, the drawing will not be erased. Although let's not forget that nothing lasts forever! In fact, as the guys from the engraving workshop explained to me, the image is applied directly to the metal from which the main part of the body is made, if we are talking, for example, about Zippo coated with paint from the matte series. Well, if this is an ordinary Zippo with a chrome finish, then everything is obvious. There is, of course, another way of engraving - manual. For example, a Zippo from the Vietnam War. We all know well that Zippo lighters were sometimes the only piece of “paper” on which soldiers could express their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Like this zippo with the words “Please!” engraved on it. Don’t talk to me about Vietnam, because I was there.”

At the present stage, hand engraving is an expensive process and is used, as a rule, on exclusive and limited editions of Zippo.

Another clear example of custom work on Zippo lighters are masterpieces from Paul Fleming and Claudio Mazzi. Yes, we are talking about handmade work here, individual orders from collectors are also possible. But accordingly, the works of these masters are very expensive pieces, so we are not talking about mass production. Many of Paul and Claudio's works are one of a kind. But, nevertheless, we should keep in mind that there are similar ways of applying decor to the Zippo body.

On these lighters, the image is applied a little unusually, namely on the inside of the body, so the design becomes convex, making it look interesting and original:

Let's not forget about the Zippo lighter series. As a rule, this is also a kind of manual work, namely hand-painting an image with subsequent heating of the paints.

One of the ways to apply images to the body is the technique. Here we can talk about both hand-made homemade engraving and gluing various overlays, crosses, medallions, coins to the Zippo body, which, in turn, also carry some kind of image. Some of these items are not so cheap, mostly, of course, these are vintage lighters from the war years.

Among modern Zippo serial models, there are also lighters with “overlays”, but they were no longer made independently, but directly at the Zippo factory.

Typically these models differ in weight. They are heavier than classic models without “linings” and have a dull click when closing and opening the lighter.

In conclusion, let's look at the series Zippo Realtree®.

The so-called “camouflage image” was applied to the surface of the lighters in this series, since it was assumed that such Zippos would appeal to lovers of hunting and outdoor trips. The “three-dimensional” drawings depict branches, leaves, various shadows, stems, and tree trunks with a fairly high degree of detail and clarity in accordance with high definition technology. Sometimes the image can “play” depending on the lighting, which makes lighters in this series very interesting items.

the difference in wall thickness is visible only upon very close examination, but still visible: