ABOUT US
Dates In History
Zippo has celebrated nearly eight decades of milestones - some big, others not so much. Scroll through and recollect some of our red-letter days.
- 6.05.1895
- 6.01.1933
- 3.03.1936
- 3.27.1938
- 12.01.1938
- 2.14.1940
- 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.
3.03.1936
First Patent
Zippo's first patent (number 2032695) for the Zippo windproof lighter was granted.
3.27.1938
Barbour Street
The first building that Zipoo 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.
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
The Open House for the grand opening of new the Zippo headquarters, 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.
- 6.10.1957
- 7.31.1958
- 2.21.1960
- 4.17.1960
- 4.26.1964
- 5.24.1965
- 5.16.1966
- 5.18.1966
6.10.1957
25th Anniversary
Zippo celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
7.31.1958
Date Codes Started
Date codes were stamped on the bottom of the lighter.
2.21.1960
Moderne and Corinthian Table Lighters
Zippo introduced of the Moderne and Corinthian table lighters.
4.17.1960
Zippo Rule
Zippo's Rule was a 6' Pocket Tape Measure that was introduced as an Advertising Specialty item.
4.26.1964
Zippo Knife
Zippo introduced a knife that included a blade and a nail file as an Advertising Specialty item.
5.24.1965
UK Distribution
W. A. Ingram, a distributor in UK began selling lighters.
5.16.1966
Zippo Belt Buckles
Zippo belt buckles were introduced to the Ad Specialty Division.
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 knowlege was passed down from generetion 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 Zipppo pill box was introduced.
4.25.1980
Handilite Base
The Handilite base introduced 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 knife was introduced.
6.04.1982
50th Anniversary
The 50th Anniversary gala celebration begins.
- 2.04.1982
- 2.05.1986
- 7.20.1986
- 3.18.1988
- 3.30.1988
- 9.23.1988
- 4.06.1990
- 9.05.1991
2.04.1982
Contempo Lighters
Zippo introduced the Contempo Refillable butane lighters.
2.05.1986
Greece Distribution
Dritsas, a distributor in Greece, began selling Zippo lighters.
7.20.1986
Date Codes Changed
Date code changed to letters and Roman numerals.
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 Barbour Street Began.
- 5.14.1992
- 1.11.1993
- 5.28.1993
- 9.12.1993
- 1.21.1994
- 6.07.1994
- 8.05.1994
- 1.24.1995
5.14.1992
First Collectable of the Year
The First Collectible of Year introduced was the 60th Anniversary.
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 speeday.
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 on this date.
- 6.06.1995
- 7.21.1995
- 1.10.1996
- 2.29.1996
- 3.02.1996
- 4.05.1996
- 1.18.1997
- 1.19.1997
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
First Swap Meet & Zippo Canada
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
- 7.19.1997
- 10.10.1997
- 1.09.1998
- 5.10.1998
- 1.14.1999
- 1.16.2000
- 1.01.2001
7.18.1997
Zippo/Case Museum
The Zippo/Case Museum Opened.
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 their new colletible lighter.
1.16.2000
Keeper of the Flame
The Keeper of the Flame collectible 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
- 3.24.2001
- 1.05.2002
- 1.25.2002
- 1.29.2002
- 1.31.2002
- 7.01.2002
- 7.10.2002
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
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
- 8.09.2002
- 2.15.2003
- 6.30.2003
- 9.03.2003
- 4.18.2004
- 7.03.2004
- 1.09.2005
7.31.2002
Zippo Canada Closing
Zippo Canada closed manufacturing operations.
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
- 3.04.2005
- 4.28.2005
- 6.11.2005
- 8.10.2005
- 8.13.2005
- 8.14.2005
- 9.23.2005
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
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
8.10.2005
Mini MPL Introduced
Zippo's Mini Multi-Purpose candle lighter was introduced.
8.13.2005
Zippo 200
The first Zippo 200 Busch Race took place at Watkins Glen, International speedway.
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
- 7.18.2006
- 10.23.2009
- 2.03.2010
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
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.
2.03.2010
Ronson
Zippo acquired the Ronson brands of Woodbridge, New Jersey. The purchase included all Ronson products in the U.S. and Canada.