A global event celebrating the founder of Zippo Manufacturing Company and inventor of the Zippo Windproof Pocket Lighter, George G. Blaisdell.
FRIDAY
JUNE 4, 2021
Zippo History
- FAMILY -
1932
George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo Manufacturing Company in 1932. Mr. Blaisdell creates the first windproof lighter in 1933 and to this day his grandson and great-grandson remain active owners of the business.
- FILM -
1942
Zippo appears in first major film with the iconic windproof lighter; by 2020 Zippo has made more that 2,000 film appearances.
- MUSIC -
1960
Concert goers begin brandishing the windproof lighter to request encores from artists, rumoured to have started at Woodstock [1969].
- COLLECTIBLE OF THE YEAR -
1992
Zippo launches the Collectible of the Year for the first time. Since then, Zippo has produced a variety of different collectibles.
- PRODUCT EXPANSION -
2000
Zippo expands product offering with utility flex-neck lighter. The past 20 years have seen five new product categories added to the Zippo line including: outdoor, leather goods, and eyewear.
- TRADEMARKS -
2002
Zippo receives its first of two trademarks for its iconic design; in 2018, the satisfying sound of the Zippo 'click' became the second, and one of the only seven trademarked sounds in the world.
- 500 MILLION -
2012
Zippo produces 500 million windproof lighters!
- CUSTOMISATION -
2013
The very first customised lighter is created on Zippo.com. Six years later sees the launch of a lighter inserts collection, including the rechargeable arc and butane torch, allowing fans to customise their own flame.
- ART -
2017
Zippo partners with flame artist Steven Spazuk to launch its first global art campaign. Zippo has worked with over 27 licensed artists since 1932.
- SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY -
2019
The brand launches its first Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Fight Fire with Fire, planting a tree in Madagascar for every Zippo x WOODCHUCK USA lighter sold.
- 600 MILLION -
2020
Zippo marks the production of its 600 millionth lighter with a limited-edition design.
The 600 millionth lighter itself will be preserved and displayed in Zippo’s own museum in Bradford, PA for all visitors to enjoy.