Zippo: An American Legend - Hardcover

Baer, Avi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 190257902X ISBN 13: 9781902579023

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2010

Synopsis

A fascinating, colourfully illustrated celebration of one of the great icons of American popular culture: the Zippo windproof lighter -- an inexpensive, practical product which the public took to its heart and transformed into a sought-after collectable.George Blaisdell risked his life savings to produce the original 1932 model at the depth of the Recession. For $1.95 he offered a simple, sturdy, useful tool -- which worked; and such was his faith in his product that he offered an unlimited lifetime guarantee of free repair. Today, more than 60 years later, you can buy one for just $12.95; some 300 MILLION Zippos have been sold, without significant modification of the design; and if you break one, anywhere in the world, just send it back to Zippo Manufacturing of Bradford, Pennsylvania, and they will still repair it for you free.As American as apple-pie and baseball, the Zippo sells in more than 100 countries.

It was the GI of World War II who spread its popularity world-wide; and its connection with the military has remained strong -- hundreds of different units of the armed forces have acquired customised 'squadron specials' for their personnel, and veterans of many overseas conflicts have stories to tell of the reliability of their faithful old Zippo. The universal affection in which it is regarded has transformed the Zippo from just another product into a kind of mascot.Although the basic Zippo is remarkably little changed from the 1932 original, it has also been produced in many alternative external finishes and qualities, decorated with a huge range of logos and special motifs -- from pilot's wings to beautifully crafted multi-coloured 'pin-ups'. This variety of themed decoration makes the Zippo hugely collectable.

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 190257902X
• ISBN 13: 9781902579023
• Binding: Hardcover