All About Zippo Lighters (How To Date Your Zippo For Collecting & Values) 

thanks for the video! dated one that i thought was my fathers... and found out it was my Grand Fathers

I have 11 zippos. Most have a wolf theme and I've got a couple from different events. I like that they are affordabe, USA made, and they have an ingenious simple design that just works.

Thanks for posting. The Zippo my dad carried for half a century dates to 1948-50. And it looks like it - finish mostly gone, a few dents and dings. But, it fires right up every time! I’m glad to have it and the memories attached to it.

I just found my old Porsche 1984 zippo, I must get it restored. By far the coolest thing I own.

Thumbs up for the date zippo joke lol, even early into the video that was golden

My dad died when I was 17. I don’t collect zippos (I may though) His zippo is one of the few items I have from him. It’s your basic no frills standard zippo. I need to get it working again. I’m going to date it though. Has to be pre ‘96. I assume 80’s or early 90’s. Edit: It’s post ‘81 pre ‘95 so far. This has an A to the left and a V to the right. I’m assuming that means 1989! This is so cool! Thank you for the video. His lighter means so much to me and something I can use .. 22 years to the day last Wednesday. Never gets all that much easier. Especially when you have a son of your own and he asks about the strange guy in photos and your memories flood back and want to do everything your dad did with you. He had a cheap folding camping knife I can’t find. I’m so bummed. Knives and zippos... one of the few things he had left. How funny is that.

I have a small collection. Mostly US NAVY. I have a Trader Horn model from a discount store that is not around any longer. They always had Zippo lighters at a 20% discount. When they went out of business, the discount was 50% or more. I got a Hollywood star edition and it is still in the original package. I don't smoke but just loved the lighters. I enjoyed your information.

You actually did a video explaining this wayyyy back in the day when I first subscribed. probably '08 or so. Cool to see the update. Brings me back to before you sold your collection.

Thanks for this! I have a Zippo which appears to never have been fired, with flame box & booklet included. The box has yellowed with age, but otherwise all in very good shape. Thanks to your video I know it's from 1974, so I was 2 years old when this was made! Very cool.

You always have great info I’ve been subscribed to your Channel for a long time and never get bored.

According to the cheat sheet, my zippo was made in 1971!

i started collecting zippos after watching your knife and gun videos from almost ten years ago, back then you and a few other guys were super popular (in our community) my first zippo was one that my Opa bought me and it was a white beatles zippo, now you guys that made gear and guy shit are basically forgotten about, kinda sad but i still watch your videos and I'm still a subscriber, I'm 22 years old now and youtube has totally changed....pete from the armory channel inspired me to buy my first 9mm at 12 years old lol...saved for almost two years to buy a 500$ pistol

I'm not into collecting, but I've found you through your old video from 2011, I think, Have Flint, Wick, gas but my zippo not lighting. My issue was different then what you described in those videos. Apperantly if you tighten the screw too much on flint it won't light up either. I did everything from your video then cleaned mine up and I forgot to put the screw all the way back in and it started working flawlessly :D

Wow, my dad used Zippo's since I can remember. Most likely carried one during the war. I'm in my late 60's. I never knew all the cool info you have provided. I learned today my Zippo was made in May of 2013. I go to flea markets from time to time, will dang sure be looking for vintage Zippo's. Never even thought about this stuff. Thanks Brother for your video.

Outstanding informative video, thanks!! After watching I've discovered the one I use and carry is a 1981, with my name engraved on it...so 39 years old next year!

this is definitely the best zippo channel on youtube :)

My brother recently went to Pennsylvania and I gave him my zippo to take with him. Bc he was going to be right by the zippo outlet. I don't know what the insert was I gave him, but it seemed off when he brought it back. There was nothing wrong with the insert, I just needed the hinges tightened up. When he brought it back, it felt... Off... This was a zippo I had used, day in and day out for a long time. Now I see the insert is now from March 2016. I'm not sure when the insert I gave him was from. But now I'm a little pissed. 2016 insert with a 1971 case?! Fuck!

great lighters i love them like you were saying watch out smoking cigars and pipes when you fill them... but that goes away and they are great i love american made... i am proud to own them...

I have the same 1947-1948 lighter. Thanks for the video. Picked it up at a vintage store for $5.25. The hinge is a little loose and lighter has definitely been used but decent condition really.

When you said dinner or a movie, my first thought was "She needs some Duluth."

Extremely cool and useful video. Thanks Jeff!

Excellent video!! Very informative and to the point. Great job!

again, thanks man. love my zippo and love these vids

Man this was cool and informative. I learned a lot about Zippos tonight: coded dates mo/yr, patent info, etc. I can share this video with a friend who has a Zippo. That will be the perfect time to show him your channel, like and subscribe. 😎❤️

Thanks for the information... just bought one. Zippo since 1936.. beautiful..l 17 on case ..K 17 on insert... original and interesting stuff... cheers from Melbourne Australia...

I just got one from an estate sale today that is from the 40s and in excellent condition

I have 3 Zippos, a 2009, 2010 and 2014, I bought the 2009 in 2009 and that's when I started watching your videos

The lettering, box square are the oldies..... thax !!!

Just bought an 06 aces zippo at a flea market for $8 ...I love it now

Great video. I have about 14 zippo lighters. But I'm not sure about one. I think it is one most valuable. It is slim version made in 1967 but the insert was made in Canada, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Great guide ! I am going to check my older zippo for fun now lol

Very interesting video! I like this. I have my Uncles - he was a Vietnam vet and had a zippo engraved with his service. My Dad died in service when I was a child and long story short, I grew up at my aunt and uncles. He gave me his zippo for my 17th birthday and I'd always wondered how you can find a date for those. I'm older (rounder and greyer😂) now and still have it today. Had a smoke outside tonight and it works perfect. Very informative video! Nicely done. Thank you 🫡 ✌️

Thanks for this information i cleaned out a desist estate and found a Zippo it is a brass case 1998 thanks cheers Phil

According to cheat sheat I have vintage U.S.S Peoria LST 1183 slim zippo 1967 with proper original box. Luckily I found it in my family store box.

I remember when you made this video originally. Going back quite some time!

The newer zippo inserts have a bulge on to sides. Because the older inserts was a tight fit and some locked up all together and very hard to remove. The inserts with the rib or bulge are made a little thinner to prevent a stuck insert.

I have 5 zippos, one has the original lighter fluid insert, 3 are butane inserts, and 1 is the arc insert. I mostly just collect them because of the unique inserts and I color code them with official cases.

Great video! Mine is made in October 1990

An excellent, very helpful video! 👏👏👏👏😊

My grandad got given a brown & roots zippo from 1978 it's so cool

Great video, thanks bud👍🏽💯

I had an idea how to date a zippo but it’s definitely nice to touch up a bit.

dates on mine match up and thx to you now i know the used zippo my cousin gave me back in 2000 was made in may 1999

Good job on the video, very informative.

My oldest is between 1955-57, I have a 1972, a 2015, a 2019, and a 2020!

Super helpful video, I seen it and went and dug out my zippo and found out it’s from 1962 with two dots on both sides. What is interesting is that it has been engraved with someone’s initials and the number 69. Maybe a gift for someone going to Vietnam or something?

Thanks for the info. I just dated all my lighters.

GREAT video! Thanks for all the useful, practical info. Thumbs up! :)

Great info and video thanks Jeff I’m going to check my zippos when I get home

Thanks, yes I found this very interesting.

Thanks so much for this info!!

ive known how to do this. I just love your videos so I watched it haha.

I still have my 04 in blue, gave up smoking in 2010, best thing i ever did

Great video. Thank you for sharing

Will you do a full update of your zippo collection please

Very informative.

I have a 1951 USS Wesconsin w pat # and original insert.

Thank you for this.....very informative. 👍🇺🇲

Love the video. Good info. FYI an app is now available for date stamps. I got one from the play store on my phone. Hope this helps.

5 I'm going to start collecting again

Super Nice Man. Thank you.

Excellent video! Thank you very much. Cheers. ⛰

So cool! I have one that used to belong to my sister, and I got it many many years ago. I’m holding it rn, K VII (Nov, 1992). Looks pretty good for a 32 year old 😅

Mine is GXI on the brass case and EXI on the ignition unit. I can’t remember buying it but I have it around 25 years. Maybe I found it in a junk shop.

Just started collecting!2 in the mail rn

I don't collect zippos, nor will I ever do that, but I watched the whole video. Guess I just love your videos Jeff!

I only have 8, most of them are from the early 2000's & are unstruck & still in their boxes...I have a standard H 15 brushed chrome one for daily use. I haven't bought one for ages, I may do now after watching this;

Thanks great vid

Mine i got at a estate sale is a Jim beam one made in August of 1999

Cool Jeffery 😎👍😎

Thanks for posting this. Very informative. I've got an old Zippo that's been in the family since WWII I think, but it's not the crackle finish. I heard the crackle finish was from the Pacific arena. Not sure of that. Based on your video, I'm thinking mine is from 43-48, but how do you really get the exact year ? Are these earlier Zippos always gonna be an "estimate " of the year ? Also, my ancestor somehow attached a German Deutsch mark onto the side. Will this increase or decrease its value ?? Thanks again for this video !

Can you do an updated office tour? Awesome video btw

Awesome information. Now I know my Zippo is 1966 “US Army Material command “

Quick tip; download the zippo app on the AppStore. Go to settings and there is a pocket zippo age guide!

Cool, just found out mine is D 02 and the insert is C 02. Tnx

Entire zippo collection update!

I dug a 42 or 43 today. Diagonal lines on the corners. Flat bottom. Rounded shoulders. 4 barrel outside hinge

Funny start to video like it

I have a Classic Iron series engraved from 1995 but I have not been able to find it listed anywhere.

I found my grandpas im 14 and i rebuild it and it was made in 2000 it was full of rust and crap but i got it working

thanks i have a 1965 . yard sale purchase for a couple of bucks (well UK so its a couple of quid)

I have one that says solid brass made in Bradford, PA. Then on the bottom also it has Roman numerals IX

According to this i have one from 1950-1957 however it is just the insert and the cam is missing 😔 still cool though!

Thanks for the details. Very informative. As a clueless stoner 17yr old in the late 80s,, I remember some hippy dude telling us all that the letters on the insides were the actually the grade of the Zippo ie A being the top draw and K the worst. Like idiots, we all believed him. Only took 30yrs to learn the truth.

Have zippos different wind resistency? I'm asking this cos I light mine s and throw it away. Light goes off. So can u explain how does it stays on, on movies for example?

Thanks man, You helped me date grand dads to 46-48 !!

16 years i never done any repair to my Zppo. And it work brilliant no enclosure separation or anything. Always buy genuine zippo fuel wick to topup and flints full pack cost 4euro last for few month. Only what im thinking now to send it for service need clean case a bit i want that it looks shiny as new!! Always use genuine petrol and accessories then this lighter never die. Trust me 16yrs its a long time. Dont waste money to try other cheap fuel or wick, flints. Fuel smell as fuck< wick burnout i cant say about flints never tested them. If You get Zippo spend just bit more to enjoy best lighter on the market with lifetime warranty....

Here’s something I’ve always wondered. I’ve noticed anytime I play with a zippo, the insert will slowly work its way out of the case as it’s opened and closed. Is that normal and is there anything I can do to stop it?

thank you finaly I know my case is from December 1996 and inside is July 2006

I dated my Zippo to 1968 with the info in this video thank you

That Zippo gold color and with the engrave part from 1977...what is it called my step dad had that Zippo i thought we got it from Marlboro Rewards when i was a kid... i had forgotten all about it and why i like Zippos in the first place and now that you got all these memory's and emotions flowing i would love to figure out how to get that model in memory of him

Cutlery lover : I’m looking at a zippo online it’s in mint condition. But the only identifiable things on the bottom is the script writing so 1955-1979 but instead of 2517191 it says 2517131. I have pictures and it still has the price sticker on it it was $3.50 lol.

Hey Jeff you forgot to mention the symbol for the Armor Case Zippos, which are made a little thicker and heavier...Has a nice weight to the zippo.... The Armor symbol is like a Shield, the shield is lust below the Zippo name....

Hey thanks for the video! I have a question about a Zippo that was passed down from my father. The bottom is stamped “1932 Zippo 1991”. I just received it back from Zippo for warranty work, so I assume it is genuine. My questions are: is this an anniversary solid brass Zippo and does this particular Zippo have any rarity? Thanks.

Not a collector; but my oldest Zippo was from one of the Marlboro givaways - it has no rebate on the bottom of the case and it is stamped "1989" - I have another from one of the later giveaways which has the X (possibly XI, it isn't easy to read) so the date does work out. I don't know why it differs; but there are obviously some wierdnesses about...

Thanks. I have an old mint Zippo that my dad had for some reason. He never used it. It's from 1971. But it has a lame picture of 4 poodles on it.

I have quite a few of them and some are the 1935 and 1941 replicas

ok, thanks , the brass chevy logo my Dad gave me was made in Jan 1999.😎😁

Super go on

So mine is from October of 2000, I bought it in 2005 when I was in the Navy