Zippo Moderne, 1960

The Zippo Moderne Table Lighter was first manufactured in 1960, next to the Zippo Corinthian desk-top lighter, in Bradford, Pennsylvania in the United States. Both the Moderne and Corinthian were discontinued in 1966 though they were marketed till 1967. It is worth to mention that in this period Zippo marketed three different models of table lighters: Zippo Moderne, Zippo Corinthian and Zippo Barcroft.

The Zippo Moderne was available in three finishes:

• black and rhodium (no. 1310), 
• bright rhodium (no. 1315),
• satin rhodium (no. 1320). 

All three were selling for the same price of $12.50. It might be interesting to know that during the time of production the Zippo Moderne has changed a little bit. The face lifting was connected with rounding the edge of the pedestal which was till 1963 more sharp.

The slim removable lighter insert unit was also used in the Zippo Corinthian. The base is padded with black felt and marked: ZIPPO (R). The Zippo lighter insert is also marked: 

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R) PAT. PENDING

or (later version)

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R) PAT. 2940286

Type: wick (petrol) lighter 

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $100.00–150.00 (approx €70.00–100.00)

Weight: 240 grams (0.53 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 12.5 cm (4.9")
• diameter: 5.8 cm (2.3")

Zippo Corinthian Table Lighter, 1960

The Zippo Corinthian Table Lighter was first manufactured in 1960 next to the Zippo Moderne desk-top lighter in Bradford, Pennsylvania in the United States. Both the Moderne and Corinthian were discontinued in 1966 though they were marketed till 1967. This is the best looking table lighter produced so far by Zippo. It has a delicate shape of an urn which makes it quite handy. The Zippo Corinthian was available in three finishes:

• bright rhodium (no. 1710), 
• turquoise and rhodium (no. 1715),
• pearlescent rhodium (no. 1720). 

All were selling for the same price of $16.50 but only two had a delicate high-fired enamel (in turquoise and pearlescent color). The 1960s were the only period in the history when Zippo marketed three different models of table lighters (see picture on the left: Zippo Moderne, Zippo Corinthian and Zippo Barcroft).

The slim lighter insert is removable and was also used in the Zippo Moderne. The base of the lighter is padded with black felt and marked: ZIPPO (R). The Zippo lighter insert is also marked: 

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.

MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.

PAT. 2517191 (R)

Type: wick (petrol) lighter 

Scarcity: uncommon-rare


Value for very good–mint condition: $100.00–160.00 (approx €85.00–140.00)

Weight: 220 grams (0.49 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 10.5 cm (4.0")
• diameter: 5.9 cm (2.3")

Dunhill Sabre Jet Fighter, 1954

The Dunhill 'Jet Plane' Lighter is depicting the famous North American Aviation F-86 Sabre a transonic jet fighter aircraft. The  Sabrejet set its first official world speed record of 570 mph (920 km/h) in September 1948. Six years later in 1954 in England this heavy Dunhill figural lighter was manufactured. The production ceased in 1961.

The table lighter was available in polished chrome and also black lacquered.  It ignites automatically when the button in the engine intake at the front is pushed – then the canopy opens and exposes the flame. Very efficient and solid mechanism – works at every single try. The base is padded with green felt. Below a drawing of the Sabre F-86.

The Dunhill Sabre Jet is also known under other names like: Dunhill Jet Plane Lighter or Dunhill Airplane (Aeroplane) Table Lighter or just Dunhill Jet Fighter.

Type: petrol (wick) lighter

Marked on the underside of the base:

dunhill

REG. DES. APPL. NO. 872899
MADE IN ENGLAND

Scarcity: rare

Value for good–mint condition: $240.00–450.00 (approx €115.00–350.00)

Weight: 580 grams (1,28 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.3 cm (3.3")
• width: 14.9 cm (5.9")
• length: 16.1 cm (6.3")

Zippo Barcroft No. 4, 1953

The Zippo Barcroft is the proud successor of the Zippo #10 which was produced till 1953. The Zippo Barcroft was manufactured between 1953 and 1979 in Bradford, United States and also in Canada. One often refers to it as the 4th edition or version of the Barcroft Table Lighter which is a simple combination of a traditional Zippo lighter insert and an attachable pedestal base. It was made in various finishes like: brass, polished chrome and the most popular – steel satin finish.

This Zippo table lighter was often used as a promotional gadget for different organizations and occasions. In many cases a logo of a very known brand on the Barcroft will add value to it. For example a Barcroft with a Coca Cola logo might cost above $600. Other less valuable examples are: USS (United States Steel), Chrysler or Ford.

The lighter insert can be removed from the pedestal and used as a normal Zippo pocket lighter. The base is padded with black felt. The Zippo lighter insert is marked:

ZIPPO MFG. CO. BRADFORD, PA.
MADE IN ZIPPO U.S.A.
PAT. 2517191 (R)

Type: wick (petrol) lighter

Scarcity: uncommon

Value for good–mint condition: $90.00–140.00 (approx €60.00–100.00)

Weight: 308 grams (0.68 pounds)

Dimensions:

• height: 8.4 cm (3.3")
• width: 5.5 cm (2.2")
• depth: 4.1 cm (1.6")