In 1932, George Blaisdell took a cumbersome, flimsily-built and unsightly Austrian cigarette lighter and reworked it by adding a hinged metal case. The new lighter could be operated with one hand and the chiminey design protected the flame in windy conditions. The following year, Blaisdell created the first Zippo lighter.

Charging $1.95 for his lighter, the Zippo carried an unconditional lifetime guarantee and was marketed using the using the catchphrase “It works or we fix it free TM.”

In the mid-1930’s, Kendall Refining Company ordered 500 Zippo lighters with their logo printed on it, which is believed to be the first time a company used a lighter as an advertising medium.

It was however during World War II that helped transform the Zippo lighter into an American icon. During the war, Zippo stopped all lighter production for the consumer market focusing exclusively on the U.S. military.

The war version was produced with a black crackle-paint finish over low-grade steel because brass and chrome were in short supply. Millions of these lighters were produced and distributed to American soldiers.

Since 1933, Zippo has manufactured over 400 million lighters and currently makes about 50,000 lighters a day. Besides lighters, Zippo also makes hand warmers, leather goods, tape measures, flashlights, money clips and key holders.

These days, you can find just about any company logo, sports team, hobby, automobile, animal or interest on a Zippo. Or have one commissioned with you own design.

Today, the Zippo will cost you anywhere from less than $10 to about $50, unless you are looking for a highly collectible lighter where the prices can be in the hundreds of dollars.

You can tour the 15,000 square-foot Zippo Center museum and experience everything Zippo – from the first original Zippo lighter to a display of 3,400 red, white and blue lighters that make up a 7 x 11 foot American flag. You might even see the Zippo Car, which is a customize 1947 Chrysler Saratoga-New Yorker. You can also view the Zippo Repair Center and watch as lighters are repaired – for free of course.

Zippo Lighter and Case Knives Center
1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, PA 16701

Just off U.S. Route 219 Expressway, 10 miles south of I-86, at Exit 23.

While this is not a short a trip from DC, (about 300 miles), if you feel the urge to get away and drive through a beautiful part of Pennsylvania, this might be a good excuse.

Days and Hours - Monday – Saturday – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays until 7:00 p.m., Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tickets – free

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Post from: The DC Traveler