The Zippo was created in Bradford, Pennsylvania by George G. Blaisdell in 1932. After obtaining some designs for an Austrian windproof lighter, he used those to create his own rectangular shaped, windproof lighter with a hinged lid and a windhood for the flame. Fascinated by the recent invention of the zipper in a nearby Pennsylvania town, George loved the sound of the name so decided to call his windproof lighters Zippos. Since the first one was manufactured in 1932, each Zippo has come with a Lifetime Guarantee that guarantees the lighter, or Zippo fixes it for free.

Save a few minor changes in the flint wheel and case finishes, the Zippo remains nearly exactly as George Blaisdell created it 71 years ago. Today, the Zippo brand makes tape measures, knives, money clips, writing instruments and key holders, all engravable and personalizable to the owner. The American-made quality and Lifetime Guarantee makes the Zippo lighter a valuable collector's item around the world, with collectors' clubs in England, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and of course, the United States.