Smokers- do you use a Zippo?

herr_oberst · 03-20-2013, 12:39 PM

I've always wanted to do a Zippo thread, and with all the new smoking/ashtray threads I figured this is the perfect time.

I don't smoke, but I have a couple of Zippo tape measures with advertising on them; they got me to thinking that some of the folks that follow this BBS probably have zippos with great stories.

Now's the time to show and tell!

HHI944 · 03-20-2013, 12:59 PM

Only zippo I have is the one my father got me when i graduated basic training, it has the army crest on it I don't use it though, petroleum and Cigars just isn't right. I've got a variety of touch butane lighter and a dunhill that sees near daily use and an ST Dupont that almost never sees use because it's an overpriced brick of **** that never works.

rusnak · 03-20-2013, 01:21 PM

I might smoke a cigar a few times a week, or when walking the dogs.

But I carry a pocket lighter out of habit in case I ever decide to light one up. The Zippo fluid does not mix with cigars well, but the torch lighters do. I have gotten a few different lighters as gifts. I keep all the fancy lighters (Colibri, Rocky Patel) at home.

There is an insert that you can buy for a Zippo that will turn it into a torch lighter. I found that the Ronson lighter is much cheaper, and works better as a torch than the Zippo.

sammyg2 · 03-20-2013, 01:38 PM

Many years ago I carried a zippo.
Had to stop as they kept growing legs. Folks would "accidentally" forget to put my zippo back and they'd take off with it.
They would have a better memory iffn I had a cheap bic lighter.

Nowadays I just carry a flint, a steel, and some magnesium.

they gotta be serious about it ..........

herr_oberst · 03-20-2013, 01:42 PM

Here's my zippo's

rusnak · 03-20-2013, 01:54 PM

so you have Zippo tape measures?

scottmandue · 03-20-2013, 01:57 PM

Had a Zippo log time ago just because they look so cool.

But they just smell bad... wouldn't dream of lighting a expensive cigar... or even a stinky little cigarette with one... they are pretty much only good for lighting camp fires IMHO.

herr_oberst · 03-20-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusnak

so you have Zippo tape measures?

That's right. 2 of 'em.

That's an interesting fun-fact about the zippo stink. I never would have given that a moment's thought until now! I guess that's why you only see them in the movies these days.

rusnak · 03-20-2013, 02:02 PM

Walgreens sells Zippo lighters though. They even carry the cool black one.

pwd72s · 02:20 PM

I used zippo when I smoked. Still have one made in 1982...a 50th anniversary commenrative made of brass...a replica of the first zippo made it 1932, it was engraved by zippo with a replica of my signature. I doubt they do that these days.

I also have one I bought from a stoddard's ad back in the late 60's....think I paid $6.95 for it...it has the Porsche Crest bonded to it's front.

Btw guys, don't spend a bunch on lighter fluid. It's really just (naptha) Coleman fuel...a gallon of coleman fuel & you have lighter fluid for life..until the cigarettes kill you.

Also, zippo does have the best guarantee of any product...it really is true that if it ever stops working, they fix it for free.

dipso · 03-20-2013, 02:22 PM

I have a bunch of Zippos. Chrome, silver, brushed silver, brushed chrome, red, black, etc.
Zippo makes a pipe lighter that I have a few of as well.
It has the top portion closed off and 2 big holes on the side of the aerated neck. So you can hold the lighter sideways to fill a pipe bowl with flame.
I like Zippos, it's the only lighter i will use.

sammyg2 · 03-20-2013, 02:57 PM

That explains at least part of it ................

rouxroux · 03-20-2013, 03:17 PM

I have tons of vintage boxed, never-used Zippos mainly from the 50's & early 60's that belonged to my Father. Most are aviation related (even a presentation model that flew on the first flight of the Lockheed C-130). Many other non-Zippos as well, even two Coca-Cola promos (made by Bluebird) that have a wind-up tiny music box in each. Have thought about selling some, a friend who collects Coca Cola stuff said that those two usually go for north of $500 each. Also have a 50 cal lighter (the bullet is the actual lighter).

tevake · 03-20-2013, 03:57 PM

Anyone know the Zippo flick and finger snap?

Cheers Richard

plumb4u2 · plumb4u2's Garage

funny thing....took my wife and kids to my Mothers house for dinner couple weeks ago, after dinner my Mother goes upstairs and comes back down with a zippo that her and my Father confiscated from me when I was about 14 yrs old...Lol

She gave it back to me, this thread pops up and for the life of me I have no idea where I put it

74-911 · 03-20-2013, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rouxroux

I have tons of vintage boxed, never-used Zippos mainly from the 50's & early 60's that belonged to my Father. Most are aviation related (even a presentation model that flew on the first flight of the Lockheed C-130). Many other non-Zippos as well, even two Coca-Cola promos (made by Bluebird) that have a wind-up tiny music box in each. Have thought about selling some, a friend who collects Coca Cola stuff said that those two usually go for north of $500 each. Also have a 50 cal lighter (the bullet is the actual lighter).

Recently read an article (don't remember where?) that Zippos of that era and older can be very valuable collector-wise. IIRC one criteria is the lid hinge has to be on the outside of the case. Apparently it is not on the new models ?

id10t · 03-20-2013, 05:09 PM

Still have both of mine, but they are butane and not the liquid stuff.

rouxroux · 03-20-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74-911

Recently read an article (don't remember where?) that Zippos of that era and older can be very valuable collector-wise. IIRC one criteria is the lid hinge has to be on the outside of the case. Apparently it is not on the new models ?

Oh yeah, all of these are external hinges, all are still in original boxes and some even have a little velvet pouch inside the box. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. Who knows, maybe I can find out what they are worth and get some Porsche parts!

74-911 · 03-20-2013, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rouxroux

Oh yeah, all of these are external hinges, all are still in original boxes and some even have a little velvet pouch inside the box. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. Who knows, maybe I can find out what they are worth and get some Porsche parts!

With the original boxes and velvet cases, it would certainly be worthwhile to check out your collections value. Again, I just browsed overthe article but it seemed the really hot market for them was in Japan?

KevinTodd · 03-20-2013, 06:02 PM

I haven't smoked in over 10 years but have kept my assorted Zippos. They're just too cool to throw away. Plus they remind me of my dad----which is better discussed in the memory thread......