George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo in 1932 after simplifying an Austrian windproof lighter. He named the company after the word "zipper" and backed each lighter with a lifetime guarantee. Zippo shifted production to supply U.S. forces in World War II, which raised the brand's profile. Postwar, Zippo expanded models and accessories and entered advertising markets. The company remains headquartered in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and family-owned; historical details and exact product dates merit verification against corporate or museum records.

Origins: a simpler, windproof lighter

In 1932 George G. Blaisdell redesigned an Austrian-made lighter he had seen a friend use. He kept the core windproof function but simplified the case and mechanism so the lighter was smaller and easier to carry. Blaisdell used skills he had learned in metalworking to produce the first Zippo in Bradford, Pennsylvania. That original lighter is on display at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford.

Name and early sales

Blaisdell liked the modern sound of the word "zipper" and adapted it to create the brand name Zippo. Early Zippos carried a lifetime guarantee - famously summarized as "It works or we fix it for free." Early retail price reports list the lighter at $1.95, reflecting the era's value of a durable everyday item.

Zippo and World War II

When the United States entered World War II, Zippo shifted production to support the war effort and focused on supplying lighters to U.S. military personnel rather than selling to civilians. Military use helped cement the lighter's reputation for durability and made Zippo a recognizable piece of wartime kit.

Postwar growth and product range

After the war Zippo broadened its lineup while keeping the basic insert-and-case design that users still recognize. The company introduced slimmer models and a growing range of accessories over the following decades, and it began producing branded advertising lighters for businesses. Collectible advertising Zippos date back to early corporate orders in the 1930s and remain sought after by collectors.

Some milestone product introductions are commonly cited - for example a slim model in the mid-1950s and the company moving into non-lighter items during the 1960s - but specific dates and first-product details vary by source. 1

Company today

Zippo Manufacturing Company remains headquartered in Bradford and is still family-owned, with descendants of George Blaisdell involved in the business. The Zippo/Case Museum tells the company's story and displays historical models. Zippo products are sold internationally and remain collectible. Current figures for global distribution and exact product timelines should be checked against Zippo's corporate records or the museum for confirmation. 2

Why Zippo endures

Zippo's design balance - a windproof, serviceable insert inside a simple metal case - combined with a clear warranty and a willingness to personalize and brand lighters has sustained the product for generations. The result is a compact item that mixes practical use with cultural recognition.
  1. Confirm the original retail price of $1.95 for the first Zippo lighters.
  2. Verify the timeline and origin date of the black crackle or military finish attributed to WWII production (if cited).
  3. Confirm the exact year and name of the slim model introduction (commonly cited as mid-1950s).
  4. Verify the first non-lighter product and its introduction year (often cited as a tape measure in the 1960s).
  5. Obtain current figure for the number of countries where Zippo products are sold and any recent ownership/leadership details.

FAQs about Zippo Lighter

Who founded Zippo and when?
George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo in 1932 after redesigning a windproof Austrian lighter.
Why is it called Zippo?
Blaisdell adapted the modern-sounding word "zipper" and coined the name Zippo for the lighter.
Does Zippo still have a lifetime guarantee?
Yes. Zippo has long offered a lifetime guarantee summarized as "It works or we fix it for free."
Did Zippo supply lighters during World War II?
Yes. During World War II Zippo shifted production to supply lighters to U.S. military personnel, which helped build its reputation for durability.
Is Zippo still family-owned?
Yes. Zippo Manufacturing Company remains based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and the Blaisdell family continues to be involved.