zippo lighters - truly an american iconic brand?
TRANSCRIPT
Is Zippo Lighter Truly an Iconic American Brand?
The history of Zippo Lighter Manufacturing represents not just its people or its founder George G. Blaisdell. To many, the story embodies the rich history of America back in World War II. Americans to Zippo made such a simple tool into one of the most iconic brand in the country.
It can be traced back in the year 1930 at the Bradford Country Club in Pennsylvania. Back then, George watched a friend who is eventually struggling using his cumbersome lighter made from Austria. The lighter however, works well since the design was based of the chimney which it remains lit up even when the wind blows.
Chimney based lighter
In 1932, George decided to develop his own version of lighter. He eventually innovate the lighter with fabricated rectangular case and attached a hinge. The chimney design protected the flame under adverse condition which is easier to operate compared with the Austrian lighter. The name Zippo has nothing to do with George’s name or related to any of his family or relatives. The funny thing about the name Zippo was, the name itself got from the word zipper. The first Zippo lighter was produced in 1933 and sold $1.95 each. At the very beginning of its production, the company offers no charge repair.
Development
The World War II had a profound effect on Zippo Lighter production. Back in 1939, Zippo lighter manufactured the entire US military. Millions of American armed forces carried the lighter which is not just useful when it comes with popping a smoke, but as a survival kit as well. The mass production of Zippo lighter began in the military market which Zippo Inc. becomes a viable company.
World War II
There are also rumors about a certain solider was saved by his Zippo lighter. The lighter stopped a stray bullet which supposed to be hitting at his chest. At the end of the World War II in 1945, the lighter becomes an iconic symbol of peace. George decided to create a car that looked like Zippo lighter in order to promote the brand.
Symbol of Peace
Zippo lighter slim model launched in 1956, it was a major milestone for the company. Other items were featured with the lighter including key chains, pocket knives, golf green keepers, pen, pencil and even Zippo lighter with flashlights.
Slim Model
The mass production and the momentum of producing zippo lighters seem to be unstoppable. In fact, there are zippo lighters which are made from high end materials such as precious metal and stones. These days, there are engraved zippo lighters which everyone and anyone can enjoy. Personalised zippo lighters greatly expanded overseas and in the worldwide market. Zippo lighters were also featured an many films in the Hollywood industry.
High end Zippo Lighters
The Zippo Inc. Museum was established in 1997 with 15,000 square foot facility featuring thousands of Zippo, the famous Zippo repair shop and Zippo repair process. The Museum was remodeled recently in 2012 with a combination of vintage artwork and lifestyle photography.
Zippo Museum
To know more about Zippo lighters, read our blogs at https://wegetpersonal.wordpress.com
or to buy a personalised zippo lighter, visit http://www.wegetpersonal.co.uk/
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