Do not refuse never. The History Of Zippo

In 1933 he was released the first production of the Zippo lighter. For eighty years has sold more than half a million lighters, and Zippo has become as recognizable American symbol, like the Harley-Davidson motorcycles, hamburgers and Levi's.

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1. The history of the company began in 1932. According to legend, the future head of the Zippo Manufacturing Company George Blaisdell saw in the hands of his friend dick Dresser old Austrian petrol lighter and asked why doesn't he buy something more decent. "Because it works," said dresser, and despite the strong wind, lit a cigar.

2. At first, George Blaisdell tried to sell in America, those Austrian lighters. But sales have failed: he has failed to sell a single one.

3. After that, he opened a small factory for the production of Zippo, which worked at first only six people.

4. The first Zippo is stored in the company's Museum in Bradford. It is attached to the note written by the hand of George Blaisdell: "First Zippo lighter. Do not touch".

5. Contrary to legend, over design Zippo George Blaisdell was not working alone. Patent number 2 032 695 was recorded on his companion by the name of George Himera (George Gimera).

6. Promotional emblem appeared on Zippo in 1936. The first company ordered a batch of Zippo with his logo, was oil company Kendall Oil.

7. The most recognizable print advertising Zippo appeared in Esquire magazine in December 1937.

8. George Blaisdell managed to earn well when he became the official supplier of lighters for the U.S. army during the Second world war. But the real success happened when Blaisdell came up with a simple marketing stunt, promising to repair any Zippo regardless of the year edition for free.

9. In 50-ies of the last century began production Zippo with gold and silver plating. Then there are models of gold 750-th sample. They were the most expensive of the commercially released lighters: the price was 8 thousand dollars.

10. According to estimates by the company, the Zippo lighter appears or is mentioned in more than a thousand films. In Zippo Manufacturing Company claim that the methods of product placement was not used even once.

11. The largest amount paid by a collector for the lighter, is 37 thousand dollars for the 1933 model year, sold at auction most Zippo Manufacturing Company in 2007.

12. The most popular among collectors are the "Vietnam" Zippo. The soldiers did they engrave with their names, years of service and names of combat units. Preserved such Zippo very little.

13. Zippo lighters do not go out in the wind with speed up to 14.2 meters per second.

14. 6 Oct 2013 during the Olympic torch relay, the flame suddenly went out and a security officer then lit it using a Zippo. Almost immediately, the photo appeared on Facebook Zippo, which began to promote the hashtag #ZippoSavesOlympics. This is in Russia caused a mixed reaction, but I must admit that it is still remembered at every opportunity.