A Zippo lighter is a reusable metal lighter produced by Zippo Manufacturing Company of Bradford, Pennsylvania, United States.

American inventor George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo Manufacturing Company in 1932 and produced the first Zippo lighter in early 1933, being inspired by an Austrian cigarette lighter of similar design made by IMCO. It got its name because Blaisdell liked the sound of the word "zipper", and "zippo" sounded more modern. On March 3, 1936, the U.S. Patent Office granted a patent for the Zippo lighter.

Thousands of different styles and designs have been made in the nine decades since their introduction, including military versions for specific regiments. Zippo lighters have been sold around the world and have been described as "a legendary and distinct symbol of America". In 2012, the company produced the 500-millionth unit.

Zippo/Case Museum

"Bradford, Pennsylvania is home to not just to Zippo lighters and Case knives, but also to a commitment to the craft and quality synonymous with "Made in America,"  the official website says.

"We invite you to visit the Zippo/Case Museum, where fans and collectors from across the globe gather to experience the rich history of these two American icons. 

"Come explore the 15,000 square foot attraction that includes the world famous Zippo repair Clinic and Zippo/Case flagship store. Fourteen custom-made Zippo street lighters line the drive leading up to the building. Over the entrance towers a 40-foot Zippo lighter with pulsating neon flame and an enormous Case Canoe three-blade pocket knife. Enjoy a self-guided tour to learn the rich history of two American icons."

The first museum, the Zippo Family Store and Museum, opened in late 1993. Aptly named, as it featured products for sale from the Zippo family of companies at the time: Zippo, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Holgate Toys.

The original museum was quite small and quickly proved inadequate to satisfy the passion of collectors and curiosity of tourists who made the trip to Bradford. In 1995, plans for a brand new and greatly expanded store and museum were initiated. The grand opening of the Zippo/Case Visitors Center took place on July 18, 1997, coinciding with the company’s 65^th anniversary celebration. It was the centerpiece of the 1997 Zippo/Case International Swap Meet. More than 8,000 people from around the globe attended the three-day event, inaugurating a flow of international visitors that continues today.



The Zippo/Case Museum now hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually. Collectors and tourists travel from all around the United States and many other countries including Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil to revel in their love of these two iconic American brands.

Museum Exhibits that will Spark Your Interest

Just like you don't forget your Zippo lighter or Case knife, you won't forget your first visit to the Zippo/Case Museum. You will Experience exhibits like: 

• An Ally for the Allies, an exploration of Zippo's contributions to the American effort in WWII.
• The Greatest Supporting Actor of all Times, an illustration of each time a Zippo lighter is in the Hollywood spotlight. 
• "It Works or We Fix It Free," a glance into Zippo's famous repairs center. 
• Zippo Rocks!, a rocking collection of Zippo's role in the music throughout the years. 

TESTIMONIALS from Trip Advisor

"A nice lesson on the history of the Zippo lighter. Free to enter. Interesting story of how the company was started and the unusual situations that zippo's have survived through. Nice gift shop."

"We stopped here and really enjoyed it. It was so cool to see the old Zippos and look at the Case knives. We spent a while in the museum and learned a lot of cool history on both products. The gift shop offers a lot as well."

"I was skeptical at getting off I-86 and going into Bradford, but the Zippo Museum and the very large gift shop/store turned into a great visit. The museum includes a glass wall to watch repairs in progress. Gift shop is huge and well stocked with clothing, hats, knives, Zippos, etc. Free parking."

"It's great to know things are still being made in the states. I took lighters for granted and did not know how important lighters were upon their invention. The museum was very informative."

"Even if learning about Zippo lighters isn't high on your list, the displays, posters, etc. are so fascinating. We were there for about 2 hours and didn't read anywhere near all that is presented. A interesting sideline to it, of course, is the presentation of Case knives."

LOCATION

1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701
814-368-1932

*For GPS, use Chestnut Street Extension 

HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed: January 1 & 2, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. (Open Christmas eve 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and New Year's eve 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

DIRECTIONS 

Just off the US Route 219 Expressway
10 Miles south of Interstate 86
(Former NY-17), Exit 23

On the Net:



Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store on Facebook

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the Smallest lighter was set by a miniature replica of a pouch-type lighter from the 1940s which has been created by Jose Perez Richarte (Barcelona). Measuring just 6 mm x 11 mm by 2.4 mm (0.23 x 0.43 x 0.09 inches) thick, it is constructed of brass and steel and is fully functional. It has a fuel tank with a capacity of 4mm3 (0.00024 in3) and weighs 0.87g (0.03oz).

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS also recognized the world record for the largest cooker / oven lighter; it measures 2.17 m (7 ft 1 in), and was achieved by Samuel Foskuhl and Peter Sripol (both USA), in Beavercreek, Ohio, USA, on 26 October 2018.

PENNSYLVANIA WORLD RECORDS