When you think about lighters, one of the most well-known brands that might come across your mind is Zippo. While there are several affordable lights, there are also some of the most expensive Zippo lighters that you can find.
Collectors and enthusiasts have been purchasing lighters for years now, and for a variety of reasons. From investments to pride in collection, Zippo’s name has been one of the main companies at the forefront of these lighters. So, let’s check out who Zippo is and what their most expensive Zippo lighters are.
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History of Zippo
These reusable metal lighters are produced by the Zippo Manufacturing Company in Pennsylvania, with the first one produced in 1933, inspired by an Austrian cigarette lighter of a similar design made by IMCO. These lighters are hard to find and are extremely valuable. But what other expensive zippo lighters can you find today?
They work hard to produce several designs that have been sold around the world, however, they first became popular during World War II with the United States Military. It became so popular with the military that it was common to have authorized badges, unit crests and division insignias, as well as personal mottos during the Vietnam War.
10. Bimetal Case Lighter, $330
While most Zippo lighters you find cost about $20 to $30, there are several options for those looking to flaunt their money and love for the company. The first example is the Bimetal Cast Lighter with a Sterling Silver Lid for a bit over $300.
This lighter is unique as it’s constructed with two mentals, both solid copper and solid sterling silver. The base is copper while the lid is silver, making for a unique and beautiful design.
The design is definitely something that catches attention and is even refillable to ensure that it lasts years. And of course, Zippo has a Lifetime Guarantee, so if your lighter stops working, they’ll fix it for free.
9. Sterling Silver Herringbone Filigree Design, $385
This elegant Sterling Silver with an intricate herringbone and filigree pattern is created by Zippo’s Rotary Engraving process, giving an “Art-Nouveau flare to the front and back” of a 1941 Sterling Silver Hand Finished Replica lighter.
With such high detail in the stunning design, it would make sense that this lighter is one of the most expensive Zippo lighters that you can find, as it truly shows their craftsmanship.
8. Armor High Polish Sterling Silver, $445
The Armor lighters are known for being a bit heavier than the rest, as the casing is about 1.5 times thicker than average lighters in their possession. But that’s not the only reason why this is one of the most expensive Zippo lighters, as Zippo uses one of their most precious metals to craft this lighter: Sterling Silver.
It’s buffed and polished to perfection to give off a beautiful reflection, making it not only a great item for a collection, but a perfect lighter to have for life.
7. Sterling Silver Zippo Diamond Design, $605
Another beautifully well-done design on a case is the Sterling Silver Zippo Diamond Design, which is an item that must be ordered over the phone due to its long production time.
Sitting at a bit over $600, this lighter is deep-carved onto an Armor case with a textured strip and diamond-shaped elements. Due to the deep-carve method, the design creates strong and defined contour lines, making it a beautiful piece of artwork.
The high detailed and high-quality metal truly shows the talent that Zippo has and confirms why this is one of the most expensive Zippo lighters.
6. Sterling Silver Diamond Pattern Design, $615
Another lighter that needs to be ordered over the phone is a beautifully crafted lighter with another Diamond pattern. This Armor Sterling Silver lighter stands out for its diamond pattern design that is deeply carved around the lid line, seamlessly blending together like a work of art.
Compared to the previous entry, this diamond design is more intricate and is more of a statement piece, with the proud lines coming together easily. For over $600, there’s no surprise why this is one of the more expensive Zippo lighters.
5. Sterling Silver Zippo Windproof Design, $820
But sometimes people might want more of a statement piece than just Sterling Silver with some engraving. Thankfully, for just the price of $800, you can find this beautiful Zippo lighter. While it’s still made out of Sterling Silver, it is also engraved with gold-contoured lines that showcase the exclusive Zippo Windproof Lighter monogram.
The mixture of both silver and gold really brings out the intricate details and elegant design, screaming luxury. This is also made with a 1.5 thicker metal case than usual cases in the Zippo lines, making it a bit more durable than the rest.
4. Chinese Dragon Sterling Silver Emblem, $1,375
Making a big jump into the thousand-dollar price range is this Chinese Dragon Sterling Silver Emblem lighter. Light the name suggests, this case is the Armor Sterling Silver light with a highly detailed and emaculate designed Eastern Dragon, which is the symbol of power, strength and good fortune.
So, for those wanting a reminder on the daily basis of your potential and want this work of art in their pocket as they navigate their daily lives, this is the right one for you, just make sure to call ahead to order, as it could take up to a few weeks to produce.
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3. Sterling Silver Flame Emblem, $1,650
But maybe you enjoy the emblems but want something a bit sleeker, or subtle that truly captures who and what Zippo is. This Silver Flame Emblem is a gorgeous option. On an Armor High Polish Sterling Silver Windproof Lighter is a cubic zirconia Zippo flame emblem that “represents the legacy of Zippo”.
The famous flame is a hallmark of the lighter’s reliability, according to the description. This popular emblem for Zippo clientele is an amazing find for collectors, or for Zippo fans in general, as it highlights their passion and love for their company.
2. 18kt. Gold, $23,320
What else screams luxury and wealth than a solid 18k gold lighter? For a grand total of $23,320, you can carry around one of the most expensive Zippo lighters out there. It’s a complete statement piece that also makes a beautiful addition to your collection.
Whether you’re looking to display it or carry it with you, you will surely attract eyes. This case is gold plated with the windproof design, making it the perfect case to use anywhere without struggling to light up.
1. Armor 18K Solid Gold, $27,500
One of the most expensive Zippo lighters is the Armor 18K Solid Gold lighter reaching over $27,000, a staggering amount for such a prestigious lighter.
Zippo states that “this is the pinnacle of opulence”. A Zippo windproof lighter encased in a heavy-wall Armor crafted from 18k solid gold, making it 1.5 times thicker than a normal lighter case.
It has a polished, reflective finish that captivates viewers, and is refillable so you never have to worry about making a wasteful purchase. This lighter is not a common purchase, and with such a long production time, you’ll need to call to order it.
