The markings at the bottom of the Zippo lighter cases are identification codes, which enable them to determine in what month and year a particular Zippo lighter was manufactured. These codes change from year to year. For details on these markings visit Zippo.com.
As with most collectibles, the date of manufacture of a Zippo lighter often affects its value. Valuable information on the bottom of every Zippo windproof lighter can help you determine its date of manufacture.
Starting in the mid 50’s, date codes were stamped on the bottom. The original purpose was for quality control. The date codes have since become an invaluable tool for Zippo collectors. Most lighters fabricated between 1933 and 1957 can be identified by style and model and the patent or patent-pending marks.
Zippo : Date Codes via kwout
The appearance of the word "Zippo" in the bottom stamp provides another clue to dating. There have been three major changes. From 1933 to the mid-50s, the word Zippo was stamped in block letters. The Zippo script logo was developed in the late 40s and was phased-in on the lighter bottom stamp around 1955. In the late 70s the logo was redesigned. It was incorporated into the bottom stamp in 1980.
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