Since the 1930s, Zippo lighters have had a reputation for their durability and reliability. Their popularity and now iconic style has led to a large market for counterfeit Zippos. These fakes are typically built from low-quality and cheap materials. Almost all have defects and do not work as well as genuine Zippos. This article goes over how to spot a genuine Zippo lighter from the fakes.
Probably the best and easiest way to identify a counterfeit Zippo is to compare it to one you know is genuine. If there are any noticeable differences in the markings, finish, or other features, it is likely that the lighter is not the real thing. Additionally, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the details of a genuine Zippo lighter. I’ll be going over a bunch of things in this post, but to get the most up to date info you can always check out the Zippo site.
Inspect the markings
When checking out a Zippo lighter, it is important to pay attention to the markings on the bottom of the case and insert. The markings are one of the most important signs of its authenticity.
The markings on the case; it is stamped with the “ZIPPO” company logo and ®, manufacturing date code, and BRADFORD, PA. MADE IN U.S.A.
The markings for genuine Zippo inserts are on both sides:
One side is marked with:
FOR BEST RESULTS USE ZIPPO ® FLINTS AND FLUID, ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA., manufacturing date code, ZIPPO ® MADE IN U.S.A.
The other side is marked with:
KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN. AFTER FILLING, WIPE LIGHTER & HANDS BEFORE LIGHTING.
LIGHTER DOES NOT SELF EXTINGUISH. CLOSE LID TO PUT IT OUT.
I should also point out that the thick felt cover that covers the cotton packing is marked in red with “LIFT TO FILL.”
The logo on a real Zippo is clear and precise. A counterfeit Zippo may be blurry or half spamped. Also, the manufacturing date on a genuine Zippo is typically also stamped. Fake Zippos may be printed or embossed. Markings on a counterfeit may also differ in size or font, or may even not be there at all.
Inspect the finish
When you’re trying to identify a fake, take a really good look at the outer finish on the lighter case. Real Zippo cases are going to have a high-quality and smooth finish. Many fake ones often have a finish that looks uneven, and dull, along with bumps and/or scratches.
Check the insert
The insert is the part of the Zippo lighter that contains the wick, flint, and fuel. You need to make sure that the insert fits snuggly into the case and works correctly. A genuine Zippo lighter has a metal insert with a distinctive chimney design that ensures the flame is stable and windproof. on the other hand, counterfeit Zippos often have inserts that don’t fit snugly. As I mentioned above both sides of the insert have stamped information that is specifically from Zippo.
Look for defects
Counterfeit Zippos, as I’ve already said a million times, are made with cheap materials and usually have noticeable defects. These defects not going to be only are the lighter itself but also be on the packaging. Some of the common defects can include, sloppy engraving, wrong logo placement, spelling errors, and missing markings. If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good probability you’ve got a fake.
Purchase from a reputable seller
When shopping for a Zippo lighter, it is important to buy it from a reputable or authorized seller. Street vendors, flea markets, and a variety of websites sell many counterfeit Zippos. The only places where you should purchase Zippos from dealers that have permission from Zippo to sell their products. This way you can be sure you are getting the real thing. The official Zippo website in your country has a list of authorized dealers, so make sure you check that out.
Use the Zippo to verify it’s genuine.
Lastly, the surest way to verify the authenticity of your lighter is to send it directly to Zippo. Moreover, the warranty permits you to authenticate your Zippo lighter by contacting Zippo’s customer service team.
In Conclusion
To finish up this post, identifying counterfeit Zippo lighters is crucial since they are prevalent in the market. You can determine whether a Zippo lighter is genuine or counterfeit by inspecting the markings, hinge, finish, insert, and looking for defects. Purchasing from a reputable seller and utilizing the Zippo warranty can also aid in ensuring the purchase of a genuine Zippo lighter. Remember, while counterfeit Zippos may be inexpensive, they often lack quality and may not function adequately. Investing in a genuine Zippo lighter is always the best choice for its durability, reliability, and style.
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