Club That Clicks With Collectors (NASPA)—For those seeking a hobby with a “lighter” touch, there’s a collectors club that may “spark” interest—andreally “click” with enthusiasts. Over the past 70 years, more than 375 million Zippo lighters have been manufactured in Bradford, Pa. Whereas some people have been collecting these gadgets for decades, interest has really ignited over the last 20 years. In addition to the traditional chrome finish, thousands of de- signs depicting hobbies, activities, logos and lifestyle interests have been showcased on theselighters. In fact, the companyitself admits it doesn’t even know the extent of all the artwork variations gracing its products. At the same time, the fact that there are thousands of designs and logos is exactly why these items are cherished by collectors. In addition, some have more than This 1933 Zippo Lighter with a metallique appliqu was a rare find at a recent swap meet. Met- allique was thefirst method used by the companyto decorate its lighters. just sentimental or nostalgia “The club’s Web site provides a box) sold for $18,000. For an annual membership fee of $20, members receive a quar- value; at the 2001 Zippo Swap Meet in Tokyo, a 1933 model in mint condition (in the original An estimated four million Americans—and millions more around the world—collect Zippo lighters, so the manufacturer recently founded an international collectors club—Zippo Click—that allows members to communicate with each other; buy, sell or trade lighters; and purchase exclusive club merchandise. “The name of the club is derived from the distinctive sound of a Zippo lighter opening,” says Kathy Jones, club administrator. single source of information about lighters, collectors, events and all things Zippo.” terly publication that includes special offerings, new product showcases, collector and employee profiles, archive information, lighter collector club profiles and collector event news, as well as information about limited edition lighters. To register for the club, collec- tors, as well as those interested in starting their own collections, can call 814-368-2700 or visit the Web site at www.zippoclick.com.
