How to Date A Zippo Lighter

Determining the manufacture date of a Zippo lighter is vital to determining its value. Each Zippo lighter carries distinct markings that reveal its manufacturing date. This guide will help you identify your Zippo’s age by deciphering the date codes, trademarks, and other telltale features that have changed over the years.

Zippo Regular Lighter Identification Codes

1. Understanding the Basics of Zippo Date Codes

From 1933 to the mid-1950s, the word ZIPPO was stamped on the bottom of the lighter in BLOCK letters. Starting in the 1950s, Zippo began to use date codes to track production, which allows collectors to determine the manufacturing period.

Block Letter Zippo Logo

2. Early Zippos (1933–1954): Pre-Date Code Era

Zippos from 1933 to 1954 always have the patent number 2032695 stamped on the bottom of the lighter, along with the old BLOCK LETTER ZIPPO stamp. Exact dating in this era is difficult as these Zippos lack date codes. The bottom stamps evolved slightly, with changes in font and positioning.

1942 to 1946: Only Black Crackle Zippos were produced from 1942 to 1946 due to World War II. These models have a patent number of 203695 on the bottom, marking them as wartime lighters.

3. Transition Period (1951–1957)

During this period, Zippos have a patent number of 2517191 stamped on the bottom. Between 1955 and 1957, the Zippo script logo began appearing alongside the BLOCK LETTER logo, creating an overlap. Exact dating is challenging during these years due to a gradual transition.

Zippo Logo Transition from Block to Script

4. Date Codes (1958–1986)

Starting in 1958, Zippo implemented a precise system of date codes using symbols to represent specific years:

1958 - **** [logo] ****
1959 - **** [logo] ***
1960 - *** [logo] ***
1961 - *** [logo] **
1962 - ** [logo] **
1963 - ** [logo] *
1964 - * [logo] *
1965 - * [logo]
1966 - |||| [logo] ||||
1967 - |||| [logo] |||
1968 - ||| [logo] |||
1969 - ||| [logo] ||
1970 - || [logo] ||
1971 - || [logo] |
1972 - | [logo] |
1973 - | [logo]
1974 - //// [logo] ////
1975 - //// [logo] ///
1976 - /// [logo] ///
1977 - /// [logo] //
1978 - // [logo] //
1979 - / [logo] // OR // [logo] / (both exist)
1980 - / [logo] /
1981 - / [logo]
1982 - \\\\ [logo] \\\\
1983 - \\\\ [logo] \\\
1984 - \\\ [logo] \\\
1985 - \\\ [logo] \\
1986 - \\ [logo] \\

Post 1978 Zippo Logo

5. Modern Date Codes (1986–2000)

Beginning in 1986, Zippo implemented a coding system using Roman numerals to indicate the year of manufacture, alongside a letter for the month. The letter A to L represents the month (A = January, B = February, etc.). Roman numerals are used for the year as follows:

1986 - II
1987 - III
1988 - IV
1989 - V
1990 - VI
1991 - VII
1992 - VIII
1993 - IX
1994 - X
1995 - XI
1996 - XII
1997 - XIII
1998 - XIV
1999 - XV
2000 - XVI

6. Current Date Codes (2001–Present)

Since 2001, Zippo has used a two-digit number to represent the year of manufacture, along with the same month-coding letters. For example, a lighter with “01” was made in 2001. This system continues today.

2001 -- 01
2002 -- 02
2003 -- 03
2004 -- 04
2005 -- 05
2006 -- 06
2007 -- 07
2008 -- 08
2009 -- 09
2010 -- 10

Additional Clues and Unique Markings

Special editions, commemorative models, or unique design features can help further identify Zippo lighters:

Patent Numbers: Early models display patent numbers correlating to specific years. For example, “2032695” was used pre-1954, while “2517191” appeared post-1951.
Bottom Stamps for Special Editions: Anniversary models and event-specific Zippos often have unique stamps.

Care Tips for Collectible Zippos

To preserve your Zippo’s value, avoid polishing, store it properly, and limit fuel exposure for vintage models.

In Summary

Dating a Zippo lighter requires careful attention to detail and familiarity with changing codes. Using this guide, along with Zippo’s official resources, can help you accurately date and appreciate your collectible Zippo.