One of the icons of the Vietnam War is the Zippo lighter. Sure they are wind-proof and guaranteed by the manufacturer to light every time – if it didn’t, it was replaced for free – perfect for Vietnam. Everyone had one – even if they didn’t smoke cigarettes. Next to a P-38 can opener, a lighter came in handy for lighting a heat tab or C-4 when cooking meals or making coffee in the field.
Tattoos are popular today and allow recipients an opportunity to “advertise” those things they feel strongly about. Could be a picture, scene, saying or even foreign characters. Back in the day, engraving Zippo lighters was the rave in Vietnam. Every one of them was unique and “advertised” a bravado saying, homage to their units and reminders of those back home.
I had one with a saying, but have absolutely no idea what happened to it. Today, the Vietnamese and personal vendors are selling those that metal detectors have uncovered throughout the country. Some are real and others counterfeit – made to look like they survived the elements for the last forty years. I have included about forty pictures of various engraved lighters from the internet for your viewing pleasure. If you still have one, take a picture of it and send it via my email and I’ll add it to this blog.
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Donated by Izek Penes
Donated by Paul Miarecki
Donated by Art Estrella was in the Air Force at CAM RANH BAY in 1970 in a C-130 unit as a Propeller Specialist .
Here is a link to view additional lighters from the Vietnam War: https://www.buzzfeed.com/katienotopoulos/zippos-from-the-vietnam-war?sub=1726407_519276
Do you still have your engraved Zippo for your days in Vietnam? If so, send me a picture and I’ll add it to this article.
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Very interesting, really happy to see them
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Hola. Halle este sitio pero es de hace 7 años, no se si aun esta vigente. Podría responderme?
Gracias
Edgardo
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Awesome article.
It’s a very interesting collection. If I ever see any, I will photograph them and forward them to you.
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There are some very nice examples of true Vietnam engraved Zippos attached to your blog; there are also quite a few counterfeits. Get guidance before purchasing any “Vietnam Zippo”. I have seen literally hundreds sell on ebay as genuine, costing buyers thousands upon thousands of dollars. Do your due diligence BEFORE buying. I’m happy to see folks still interested in these little, fascinating tombstones. Jim Fiorella, author, The Viet Nam Zippo”
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Nice Collection! I used to buy the reproduction ‘fake’ Zippos in Saigon, from 2000-2005, and sell them on ebay. Always as new/Vietnam made, not war era. Those were all acid etched, not engraved, and brand new. For a little while, there were brass lighters for sale on the street, made pretty close to a AK round size. Really well made, quite a bit of machining work went into them. I bought quite a few of them, and gave away to the Viet Vets where I worked. I did the same with the fake Zippos too, tried to match dates, or units with their service. Just gave away the last two I had to a couple Vets. Probably 15 yrs ago, saw a lighter made from 2 US 7.62 rounds. in a Saigon museum souvenir shop. The head stamps are war year dated, but if made then doubtful. Still looks nice as a “trench art” lighter.
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I have one that I got as a gift from someone who visited the area. Not sure if any of the history. How might you tell if it’s a fake or not? Do zippos have any kind of markings for dates or ways of identifying them?
I’m not very knowledgeable in this area and would appreciate any input.
Cheers!
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Loved it! Quite the collection. My zippo was stolen, along with my dog tags, in a house burgarly in Fred,TX in 1989. I’ve always hoped someone would plop my dog tags in the mail some day. My zippo was engraved “Diamondhead30. Cu Chi Viet Nam 1968-69-70”. I was a Helo pilot. Was hoping I might see it in your collection. Should you ever run across it, my email is diamondhead30@yahoo.com
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I lost my zippo the day I left Nam. I would pay tp have it returned. It had a CIB, Airborne Eagle, Bob loves Ginger and Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity
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Have you ever had this collection at the Zippo swap meet at the factory? I have seen some of these at a display at the swaps.
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Mike, these are just pictures. I only own one of these.
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Thanks for posting. Brings bad many memories, some good ,some bad. 68-69 Navy..
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Great to see all of them. A true art form
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Very interesting. I have a Zippo somewhere stashed away. When l find it l will send photo. Thank you
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I’m from Indonesia and thank God I have 2 pcs of zippo lighter era Vietnam war .. the legacy from my father when he on duty as peace keeper in Cambodia and he got 2 zippo from us soldier…
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I dropped my Zippo into the primary crusher I was operating at Cam Rahn Bay and caught it on it’s second pass through the secondary, sent the mangled remains back to the factory re-cieved a new one a month later. Msgt Ret. 555 Red Horse 65-67.
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Thanks for the posts..Some of these I’ve never seen before.
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I’ve made close to thirty trips to Vietnam since 1992 and seen forged cigarette lighters all over Vietnam. Took some pictures of some of my last trip a few months ago. I’ve even seen them in Vietnam a few times!
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Reblogged this on Cherries – A Vietnam War Novel and commented:
Thought I’d republish a blog from two years ago – Zippo lighters in Vietnam – new pictures added.
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Still have my zippo from viet nam…69-70″ war is hell but combat is a son of a bitch”
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It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for
sharing.
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Reblogged this on cozymart and commented:
awesome blogging post
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Very awesome article and good posting. iam realy enjoying it. is there any zippo in market. i dream i can have one.
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The Zippo lighter isn’t only connected to Ww2, you’ll find it stars in movies linked with the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In “Sergeant Terror”, a Zippo connected the characters of Karl Malden and Richard Widmark as well as in “Pork Chop Hill”, actor Gregory Peck simply had to depend on his Zippo for moral support.
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