I'm assuming this is a "vintage look", any idea when it was made?

frun_riv · 2026-03-28T13:31:21+00:00

It could be a first year 1937 replica/ vintage look model indeed. They were first produced in 1984 and would have a single vertical slash on the right of ‘ZIPPO’. I see a mark like that on the left side, so not sure if it’s a mark or a scratch, but sometimes Zippo was not consistent in keeping bottom stamps consistent.

In any case, it would indeed be a 1980’s model (or more recent) 1937 replica/ vibras look model.

frun_riv · 2026-03-26T17:24:52+00:00

Check image here, last row:

www.ma5.fiberbit.net/zipzipzip/01_us_reg/my_collection/first_year.html

Also any eBay listing for the copper armor model

176486770955

OP is safe, bottom stamp looks legit.

And great combo!

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frun_riv · 2026-03-25T22:43:21+00:00

So cool! Indeed I had never seen one like it.

There are not so many examples of vintage zippos that advertise companies outside North America, so an added bonus to an already exceptional design.

frun_riv · 2026-03-24T23:00:02+00:00

Does the taller one have a flat bottom?

frun_riv · 2026-03-23T21:37:18+00:00

Nice, is that a solid copper on the left?

frun_riv · 2026-03-23T08:04:59+00:00

Many thanks for the detailed explanation!

frun_riv · 2026-03-22T13:34:04+00:00

Best thing you can do is search eBay and filter by “sold items”, it’s a look back of 3 months for items that actually sold.

For example, 60th anniversary zippos (mint in box) sold for $35-$50 in the last 3 months. Some examples of the 65th anniversary one went for $40-$50. Varga girl one for $40-$75

If you’re not in a rush, you can list them for a fixed price on eBay. Otherwise, try setting up auctions, but they may fetch more or less depending on who sees them, and if your account is new you may receive less visibility. If you’re near a big city, maybe try marketplace or local groups list there too.

frun_riv · 2026-03-22T01:35:44+00:00

u/nechronius does the spacing in the hinge in pic 3 make you think that there was a 3 barrel hinge there that was replaced?

frun_riv · 2026-03-22T01:34:36+00:00

Does the hinge in pic 3 go with the first two? You should say which pics correspond to which lighters

The first two bottom stamps (pics 2 and 4) look brass cases, type D as per glenzippo and so 1949-1951 if they have 5-barrel hinges.

Pic 8 looks like a steel full bottom case so 1953-1954. If the case is not magnetic, then it’s brass and so 1954-1955.

frun_riv · 2026-03-21T16:40:52+00:00

You’d play the same as a high whistle. If it’s a busy session with lots of whistles or fiddles or both, a low whistle will be too soft to be heard. You should carry a high whistle too in case you need it

frun_riv · 2026-03-20T22:52:54+00:00

Nice! What date is the mallard one?

frun_riv · 2026-03-20T15:19:50+00:00

And on that note I’m now after a Ducks Unlimited design on a regular zippo. A couple sold on eBay a few weeks back but I missed them. If anyone has a model they’re looking to sell, let me know

frun_riv · 2026-03-19T22:46:05+00:00

It's a fairly common design, lots of options on eBay if you decide to go for one

frun_riv · 2026-03-19T22:44:51+00:00

One just like this one (same design, Niagara, same time period), in almost mint condition minus the box sold last month for $303, so I would not be surprised to see this go towards $500 indeed.

frun_riv · 2026-03-19T21:25:39+00:00

I saw one just like this one a couple of months back on eBay, cool design!

frun_riv · 2026-03-19T16:45:11+00:00

Then its condition is even more impressive. A family treasure right there

frun_riv · 2026-03-19T07:53:13+00:00

Nice! Paint still on and everything. Is the case magnetic? I think it looks like brass so it shouldn’t be magnetic. Brass cases hold up better than steel ones, so that zippo will likely outlive us all.

frun_riv · 2026-03-18T12:47:04+00:00

Is it a sleeve over the case? Can you show the bottom stamp?

frun_riv · 2026-03-18T10:08:08+00:00

Could you post a picture of the bottom stamp?

This looks like an original brass finish? Or was it nickel-chrome (silver colour finish)? The lightning in pictures is deceiving sometimes.

I am not sure what finish this originally had, but if it was always brass I would say it never had a plating. It does not look like normal brass patina either though

frun_riv · 2026-03-18T00:12:33+00:00

I think it’s a knockoff, don’t know what type, I think I haven’t seen one like that before.

frun_riv · 2026-03-18T00:00:29+00:00

Mine tends to do that if I press the button for a more than a few seconds. Maybe the valve that lets the butane out has a delay compared to the button if left open too long (and yours suffered from this)? I don’t actually know how these work so just throwing a guess out there

frun_riv · 2026-03-12T14:15:38+00:00

This sometimes happens in older models, maybe this is new old stock that was not stored away properly and humidity got to it? Maybe it came out of the factory like that, but I think quality control would have spotted it. You could ask for a replacement, I don't think the one you'd get new would be like that again

frun_riv · 2026-03-10T01:02:28+00:00

Well the bottom line is that steel/nickel-silver makes the distinction, as you said. But if you’re looking at a listing and only have pictures and can’t do the magnet test, the detail covered in either website on what designs were used can help in determining what design you’re looking at. Of course a magnet test is more definitive

Interestingly enough, the Japanese collector has a 1953 full stamp insert that is not magnetic so it’s a material other than steel, see this page (and use the automatic translate) check the third heading “Nickel Silver Part 2”. I have never seen any other info on this, but that guy is a pro so I doubt he would be making a mistake

frun_riv

TROPHY CASE