1967 Zippo Fuel
Introduced in 1967, the Zippo squeeze bottle represents one of the company's most unusual and short-lived lighter fluid containers. Departing from its traditional metal fuel cans, Zippo introduced a plastic squeeze bottle designed to provide a more convenient and controlled method of refilling its windproof lighters.
Retailing for just 29 cents, the 5 fl. oz. container was prominently advertised as the “New Convenient Squeeze Bottle.” Its distinctive cream-coloured plastic body featured a red, flame-shaped dispensing nozzle, giving the bottle an unmistakable appearance. Among Japanese Zippo collectors, it became affectionately known as the “Kewpie Can.”
Unlike conventional metal fuel cans, the squeeze bottle incorporated an unusual dispensing mechanism. Instructions printed on the rear label directed users to turn the closure counterclockwise one-quarter turn to open, squeeze the bottle to saturate the lighter's packing, and turn the closure clockwise one-quarter turn to close. The design was intended to simplify refilling while minimising unnecessary handling of the fuel container.
Unfortunately, this innovative dispensing arrangement reportedly presented a serious safety concern. According to accounts passed down among collectors, an incident occurred when a woman inadvertently left the dispensing nozzle open after use. The exposed nozzle allegedly caught fire, resulting in a house fire. Although the precise circumstances of this incident remain unverified through contemporary newspaper reports or official Zippo documentation, specialist collector references acknowledge that problems with the flame-shaped closure led Zippo to abandon the squeeze-bottle design and return to its conventional metal fuel cans.
The squeeze bottle reportedly remained available for only approximately six months during 1967–1968, with relatively small quantities produced. Its brief production period and subsequent withdrawal have made surviving examples exceptionally scarce. Vintage Zippo collector literature documents the 29-cent version under catalogue reference #175A1, describing these early plastic fuel containers as extremely rare.
Interestingly, the rear label also carries the markings “N.Y.F.D. C. of A. No. 1634” and “Container, Appvd. B. S. & A. Cal. #479-6 Vol. 11,” alongside the manufacturer's identification, “Zippo Mfg. Co., Bradford, PA.” These markings provide an additional historical detail, suggesting that the container carried references to contemporary fire-safety or regulatory approvals, although their precise significance has yet to be established.
Today, the 1967 Zippo squeeze bottle stands as a fascinating example of an ambitious packaging innovation that proved remarkably short-lived. Its unusual flame-shaped dispensing mechanism, reported safety concerns, and extremely limited period of availability have established it as one of the more elusive and historically intriguing accessories in Zippo's history.
