Zippo began in the early 1930's. Inspired by watching a friend struggle to use an Austrian made lighter, Zippo founder George G. Blaisdell, decided to reconstruct the Austrian lighter. He fabricated a small rectangular case and attached a lid with a hinge. He used the chimney design which protected the flame. Mr. Blaisdell liked the word zipper so he formed variations on the word until he settled on Zippo, which he felt had a "modern" sound. In 1941, Zippo ceased production of lighters for consumer markets and dedicated all production to the US military. The fact that millions of American military personnel carried the lighter into battle was a significant catalyst in establishing Zippo as an American icon throughout the world. Today, Zippos product line continues to grow and the Zippo pocket lighter is a global icon of durability and reliability. Check out our great prices on Military Zippo Lighters below.
