Instruction Manuals

Believed to be the first instruction manual which comes with the Zippo lighter and box. Featured is the first model hook-shaped cam which was discontinued within a short period as it was replaced by the figure eight shaped cam.

2nd version instruction manual released in the late 30s. Note the new figure 8 cam, 14 hole chimney insert and inside hinge featured in the diagrams. Still a very rare find, as consumers usually buy the zippo for usage, not for collection. Thus, there are very limited numbers in the world.

As Zippo changed the shape of its lighters, to a more rounded edged shape, they released a new series of colours to its instruction manual. Offering more colours and customisation to its consumers, and still focusing on metalliques for initials.

During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Zippo Manufacturing Company produced lighters exclusively for the U.S. military. These lighters were known for their ruggedness, windproof design, and reliability in combat conditions. The instruction manual included with these lighters was straightforward, reflecting the practical and efficient style of the time.

Transiting to its newer model, Zippo included the rounded edged Zippo into its instruction manual, featuring its iconic art deco slashes at the top right and bottom left corners of the lighter. We can see the same graphics from our WWII manual used over here as production of Zippos for commercial sales ramped up in a rush right after the war. On the first page, features the newer shaped Zippo lighter.

This instruction manual is the same as the one released in late1945 - early 1946, going by the design of the lighter featured in it, with art deco slashes at the corners and rounded edges. The only difference is that it has 'NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESENT' stamped on at the 1st model barcroft table lighter, and older gift box set, as the 2nd model barcroft table lighter was due to be released soon, in 1947. This manual reflects Zippo's emphasis on service, durability, and personalisation, hallmarks of the brand's post-WWII marketing approach.

The instruction manual of this version has the exact same design on its first page, following which, most of the pages are similar. Image of the #1 barcroft model table lighter and vintage gift box set were replaced. Overall, this manual is a slightly more polished and detailed version, reflecting Zippo's evolution from wartime utility to postwar consumer and corporate personalisation.

The newer model released in 1946 has replaced those featured in the instruction manual of this period. We no longer see art deco slashes on the edges of the lighters. New engraving (sports series) and emblems services were offered. This manual is more comprehensive, and commercialised than the previous. It reflects Zippo's transition into a lifestyle and gifting brand, offering customisation tied to identity, affiliation, and occasion, rather than just functionality.

This is the period when the Korean war started. Zippo stopped personalising services and simplified the instruction manual from 12 pages originally to 6 pages instead.

Almost the same as the previous manual, the only difference is the removal of the address on the first page of the manual, under the Zippo logo.

As the Korean war had ended, more thoughts and effort were placed in designing the manual which comes with the purchase of Zippo with its box. We can see the return of personlisation service, be it engraving or affixing of emblems. Note that the trademark symbol was added under the Zippo logo after 1955.

We can see more eye-catching illustrations of emblem services. More of 'Please' wordings are used , seemingly trying to be more appealing to the mass.

As new designs of Zippo boxes and fuel cans had been implemented, they were changed on the manuals as well. Note that the address had been added too.

The only noticeable change in this manual is the addition of the postal code under the Zippo logo on the first page. USA has just started its postal code system in 1963.

Some change of fonts for easier reading, and newer design of fuel can. Instead of New Formula Zippo fuel, it is now just New Zippo Fuel.

Personalisation services had halted, the manual has become more precise. Point forms were used, as well as bigger graphics to attract consumers. It is now more hassle-free to read through the whole manual. This is the last known script form Logo Zippo used for its manual.

Font for Zippo logo has changed, as well as the fuel can design.

Full Lifetime Warranty has been added on the first page of the manual.