How to date a Zippo: Zippo date and code stamp

HOW TO DATE YOUR ZIPPO: DATE, STAMP, CODE
Determining the date / code of a Zippo lighter is fun and easy. Because Zippo founder George G. Blaisdell offered a lifetime guarantee, the bottom of each Zippo lighter made since the mid-1950s was encoded / stamped with a series of markings so he could identify which run of lighters was being returned for repairs. What began as a quality control tool for Mr. Blaisdell has become a collector’s dream and a way to precisely date most Zippo lighters. You can date your Zippo by following the chart below:

ZIPPO DATE CODES




There are many myths regarding what the date code means on the bottom of a zippo - here are a few myths and facts regarding the date stamp.

Myth
The codes on the bottom indicate the quality of the lighter. Some individuals believe that an "A" lighter is better than an "H" lighter. For date codes including Roman numerals, the higher the Roman numeral, the higher the quality.
Fact
The codes on the bottom stamp are date codes indicating when the lighter was manufactured.
Myth
Lighters are manufactured by prisoners. The Roman Numerals at the bottom of the lighter indicate the length of prison sentence.
Myth
Lighters are manufactured by prisoners. The letters on the bottom stamp indicate their crime "R" for Rape, "M" for murder, etc.
Fact
Lighters are manufactured in Bradford, PA by employees who are paid for their service to the company.

For information on how to maintain your zippo lighter, please follow this link: How to maintain a zippo lighter