Zippo - La Storia
The 30s - The IDEA
At the Country Club of Bradford, Pennsylvania, Mr. George G. Blaisdell, notesa friend in need while trying to light a lighter manufacturing in Austria. The lighter looks a bit crude and very easy to dent
Because of the surface made of thin metal, but ... always works, even in windy conditions.
1932 - BIRTH OF THE ZIPPO
Mr. Blaisdell created from scratch the Austrian lighter and named Zippo inspired by the name of an ingenious invention of those years - the zipper "zipper".
1933 - THE FIRST LIGHTER
The first sees the light and lighter is priced at $ 1.95.
The original prototype made by Mr. Blaisdell is currently exposed to Zippo / Case Museum in Bradford. He was born in that year, the famous guarantee "It works or we fix it free" (or repair work for free).
1934 - THE DESIGN IS PATENTED
The request for the original patent was filed May 17, 1934 and was filed March 3, 1936. With the exception of improvements power to the wheel and the finish of the case, the original design is remained virtually unchanged until today.
1942 - THE GROWTH OF AMERICAN ICON
With the U.S. entry into World War II, the Zippo Manufacturing Company ceased production of lighters
intended for commercial markets, to devote to the production U.S. armed forces.
Zippo soon became an American icon all over the world thanks widespread use that they made millions of American soldiers carrying in their war with the lighter.
1947 - THE MOBILE ZIPPO
To advertise his product, Mr. Blaisdell is build a car characterized by two replicas of more than two meters high lighters.
Today, a true copy of the "Zippo Mobile" 1947, across the whole country, participating in various events to promote the brand with the flame.
1949 - IN CANADA IS THE ZIPPO
The Zippo Manufacturing Company, Canada, Ltd. is established in Niagara Falls - Ontario in 1949. It is the only factory producing Zippo existing, and of course, the parent company of Bradford.
The Canadian factory closed its doors in 2002 anyway.
1956 - ZIPPO ... just a little more STRAIT
The launch of the lighter Zippo Slim is a very important step in History of Zippo Manufacturing Company. Lighters slim, with their profile more closely, are designed to be thanked in particular the women.
1958 - SEAL OF AUTHENTICITY
The date code identifying the year of production is on bottom of every Zippo lighter. The idea was born with a practical purpose, then becomes attractive to collectors who are looking for models older.
1978 - a family business
In 1978, Mr. Blaisdell is leaving the company as a legacy to his daughters, Harriet B. Wick and Sarah B. Dorn.
The 70s and 80s - INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS
The Zippo Manufacturing Company extends sales overseas and increases marketing activities.
1993 - PURCHASE OF W.R. CASE & SONS
Zippo Manufacturing Company bought the factory knives WR Homes & Sons Cutlery Company. "
1995 - THE SWAP MEET IN THOUSANDS
In 1995 Bradford was held in the first Swap Meet Zippo / Case, exceptional event that gathers thousands of Zippo collectors from around the world.
The Swap Meet is held every two years in Bradford.
1997 - Zippo / Case VISITOR S CENTER
The Zippo / Case Visitors Center opens in July. The building covers an area of 1,400 square feet devoted entirely to the history and evolution of the two marks Made in U.S.A.
The Visitors Center contains a store, a museum and the famous Zippo Repair Clinic, where you can see how they are made interventions repairs to the Zippo lighters from all over the world.
1999 - A NEW GENERATION OF FAMILY FARM
George Duke, grandson of Mr. Blaisdell, was appointed Chief of Zippo.
2001 - BEST OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY DESIGN
The classic Zippo pocket lighter was named one of Top 100 products of all time by the Danish Design Center in Copenhagen, and Named Best Design of the Twentieth Century by Men's Journal. Greg Booth, a native of Bradford, was named president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company after two years as president and CEO of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery.
2002 - BIRTH OF THE OFFICIAL CLUB FOR COLLECTORS
Zippo Click, the club for Zippo collectors, sponsored by the company, debut, attracting thousands of members in over sixty countries.
Zippo registered the trademark for the shape of Zippo - a stage fundamental to the protection of the mark.
2003 - 400 million lighters PRODUCTS
Zippo production exceeds the milestone of 400 million lighters, since 1933, when Mr. Blaisdell made the first. The lighter becomes an integral part of American culture around the world.
2004 - ZIPPO HOT TOUR
Very popular in the rock music, Zippo lighters are used as a torch during the concerts.
2007-SPARKS FOR THE 75th ANNIVERSARY ZIPPO 2007 - SPARKS FOR THE 75th ANNIVERSARY ZIPPO 2007 - SPARKS FOR THE 75th ANNIVERSARY ZIPPO
The Zippo lighter is present in more than 1,500 American films, and in 2006 appears in all those who receive an Oscar nomination for Best film. Zippo Manufacturing Company celebrated its 75th anniversary with a big party that took place July 19, 2007 in the town American Bradford (Pennsylvania), the birthplace of the company. Launch of the new Zippo BLU butane lighter.
2008 - REPLICA OF 1935
Zippo on the market offers a faithful replication of the model that saw light in 1935.
The surprising accuracy of detail and the intrinsic value of the object, make this lighter one of the most valuable pieces for collectors. Like the original, the "Replica 1935" is characterized by hinged external view, the flat surface on all sides, from engravings Vintage on the corners and small size (12 mm lower than subsequent models). The unique finish and identification of the model are engraved on the back
other important features.