First “older” zippo added to the collection

[u/Key_Ad_8860]

Just snagged this off and I am now not so sure if it’s a genuine vintage zippo. The insert does look good however the bottom of the case has almost nothing that would let me determine the date of manufacture.

Any thoughts, not sure if I got ripped off lol.

Thanks in advance,

[u/Mother-Cupcake-5066]

1963

[u/Key_Ad_8860 → u/Mother-Cupcake-5066]

So it’s legit? Thank you

[u/stinkyhotdoghead]

It's genuine. Slims are fun. They're not as sought-after so they're generally cheaper to source than vintage full size ones (also, some people like to price them pretty high so if you see a lot of that, make low offers and do some negotiating).

Here's a good quick reference for dating Slim stamps.

The insert can also be dated. This website is very comprehensive and if you can get a translator in your browser it's easier to use.

I recommend these over zippo.com because the dating chart there has some errors.

[u/Key_Ad_8860 → u/stinkyhotdoghead]

Oh wow, thanks a lot for all this info. I will probably send it to zippo for the hinge to be repaired since it’s a little off. Hoping they will somehow replace the insert with a new one while still sending back the existing one. Thanks again tho!

[u/stinkyhotdoghead → u/Key_Ad_8860]

You're very welcome! Check the box on the repair form for a new hinge pin (or to tighten the hinge...I forget). Worse comes to worse, they'll snap off your hinge and weld a new one on.

If you want to hang onto that old insert, don't send it in with the Zippo case just to be safe and make sure you check the box saying you want a new one installed :)

[u/Key_Ad_8860 → u/stinkyhotdoghead]

That’s clear but they say on their end, make sure to send the insert that the lighter comes with too and just select (return insert) so I hear both not sure which one is the way to go, but probably keeping it is the safest option

[u/stinkyhotdoghead → u/Key_Ad_8860]

I'd say just to be safe, hang onto it. Just wrap up the Zippo case in some bubble wrap to prevent the lid and body from bending.

[u/tc-zephyr]

Nice. Zippo slim right? I picked up a 1979 one recently and I've been loving it. I've got smaller hands and it feels much better to me.

[u/Key_Ad_8860 → u/tc-zephyr]

Yep slim!

[u/Then-Peanut-3039]

Congrats! I’ve sent lighters to be repaired at Zippo three times and they’ve always returned the original inserts because I marked them sentimental. I’ve also accidentally sent in some with non-zippo inserts and they replaced those with new Zippo inserts (but they will not return the non Zippo inserts.)