Zippo lighter

Zippo Events and History

  • MR. BLAISDELL'S BIRTHDAY

    Mr. George Blaisdell was the inventor of the original Zippo lighter and he was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on June 5, 1895.
  • First Building

    Zippo occupied the Rickerson & Pryde factory. This became Zippo's first building.
  • First Patent

    Zippo's first patent number 203269 for the Zippo windproof lighter was granted.
  • First Building Purchase

    The first building that Zippo purchased was on Barbour Street on March 27 1938
  • First National Ad

    The first national ad for Zippo appeared in Esquire magazine.
  • Pantograh Engraving Introduced

    Pantograph engraved initials replaced metallic initials on the lighters.
  • All Production To The Military

    Zippo's newspaper ad announced that all production is dedicated to the armed forces overseas.
  • A Letter from 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."
  • War Correspondent Ernie Pyle Writes About Zippo

    War correspondent Ernie Pyle devoted a national newspaper column to Zippo lighters and George Blaisdell.
  • Zippo is there on D-Day

    Walter Nadler inscribed a lighter while making the D-Day crossing. The lighter is currently displayed in Zippo museum.
  • A Letter From Gen. Macarthur

    A letter to Mr. Blaisdell from General Douglas MacArthur read, "It is a real work of art which I shall use constantly."
  • First Zippo Car

    The original Zippo car was purchased by George Blaisdell.
  • Zippo Plant Canada

    Zippo opened a plant in Canada.
  • Town and Country Imprint Introduced

    The Town and Country imprint process was introduced.
  • Philo and Sara Blaisdell Foundation

    Zippo founder, George G. Blaisdell established the Philo and Sara Blaisdell Foundation in honor of his parents.
  • Table Lighter Introduced

    Zippo's Lady Bradford table lighter introduced.
  • 2nd Patent Introduced

    Second lighter patent number 2517191 was introduced.
  • Zippo Introduces New Products

    The introduction of two unusual Zippo products: Zip Slip zipper lubricant and Zireen skin ointment.
  • New Building

    George Blaisdell announces plans to construct that 3 story office building on Barbour Street.
  • Zippo Table Lighter on "I Love Lucy"

    Zippo introduced the table lighter that was featured on 82nd Episode of the sitcom "I Love Lucy".
  • New Offices

    The new office building at 33 Barbour Street became the new corporate office.
  • Open House

    Open House for the grand opening of the new Zippo headquarters located on 33 Barbour Street.
  • Introduction of the Slim Lighter

    Zippo's Slim lighters were introduced.
  • Etch/Paint imprint process

    Zippo introduces the Etch/Paint imprint process
  • Zippo's 25th Anniversary

    Zippo celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
  • Date Codes Introduced

    Zippo starts stamping date codes on the bottom of the lighter.
  • MODERNE AND CORINTHIAN TABLE LIGHTERS

    Zippo introduced the Moderne and Corinthian table lighters.
  • Zippo rule

    Zippo's Rule was a 6' Pocket Tape Measure that was introduced as an Advertising Specialty item.
  • Zippo Knife

    Zippo introduced a knife that included a blade and a nail file as an Advertising Specialty item.
  • Belt Buckles

    Zippo belt buckles were introduced to the Ad Specialty Division.