by Brenda S Brown

Created on: December 02, 2009

Because a Zippo lighter was considered fashionably chic years ago, and something that everyone needed on occasion, we gave them as complimentary gifts to numerous loyal customers of Stewart Webster Gas Company in Richland, Georgia. Our silver colored lighters were engraved with the company name, advertising the fact that we handled butane, propane and bottled gas, and for unexplained reasons, listed my daddy as manager instead of owner of the petroleum products company.

My mother, well known for her artistic ability, designed a prototype that displayed the same blue flame emblem that identified our equipment, rental propane tanks and service and delivery vehicles. When the intricate drawing of the flame caused difficulties with the engraving, the design was simplified to just pertinent company information. The bold print and the bright red color added to the overall appeal of the gift.

My parents chose the Zippo model not because it was affordable, it was actually a relatively expensive product, but because of the incredible warranty offered by the manufacturer. As is still the practice at Zippo, any windproof signature lighter will be reconditioned for free, anytime, as long as it can be identified as their product. The only requirement is to ship it to Pennsylvania, and it will be returned in impeccable condition.

The finish is not guaranteed but the workings of the lighter are warranted for a lifetime, and the trademark Zippo is stamped into the bottom of each unit.

Over the years Zippo lighters have become collectable; individuals search for them at tag sales, flea markets and estate auctions. The genuine lighters are stamped on the bottom with a date code, sometimes with an identification number, and the word ZIPPO. The most popular models are the stainless steel units.

If you plan to begin collecting vintage models, even striking it one time will significantly decrease the value. All the services had a model, and many companies and organizations presented them as awards.

The brushed stainless steel models that our company presented to special customers were encased in tiny gold boxes lined with black velvet, and because they were valuable, stored in the company safe.

My vintage lighter needs repairing, so as soon as I complete this narrative I'm shipping it to Bradford, Pennsylvania for a complete realignment. Hopefully it will be returned, as is customary, with new flint, a container of complimentary lighter fluid, and in pristine working condition.

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