During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Zippo ceased consumer production and dedicated its entire output to the U.S. military, making its lighters a staple among American soldiers. Constructed with steel due to wartime brass shortages, these lighters featured a black crackle finish for durability and a non-reflective surface ideal for combat use. Zippos became more than tools—they were personal keepsakes, often engraved with names, units, or sentiments, and symbolized reliability, resilience, and camaraderie on the front lines.