From the original 1932 tall model (7.3cm) to a rounded edge model (5.7cm), this is an era where alot of changes take place. Zippo takes suggestions and recommendations from their customers and friends to improve on their lighters. Let's take a look through the different variations present in this era.

After selling a few of the tall case 1932/1933 model (73mm), feedbacks were taken seriously from customers and friends. The Zippo lighter, even though with its convenient one-handed design, doesn't really fit well into the hands of a grown man. It is far too tall. Slight adjustments were made. Height of the lighter was then reduced to 57mm, and hook cam replaced with the figure 8 cam.

The 3 barrel outside hinge was then replaced by a 4 barrel outside hinge in 1936, as it was found to be quite vulnerable. As Zippo honours its promise of lifetime warranty, it has been improving on its lighter, by taking notes of the shortcomings of the lighters which were sent back for repairs.

The 4 barrel outside hinge Zippo was only released for a 2 to 3 months before Zippo decided to weld its hinge on the inside of its case, instead of outside. Existing hinges being welded outside were subjected to knocks and drops, which was the main cause of repairs at that time.

The patent, 2,032,695 was officially granted in March, 1936. With that, Zippo replaced the 4 barrel outside hinge with a 4 barrel inside hinge, and replaced the bottom stamp of the lighters in production. This patent number was then used from 1936 to 1952. It was also later in the year when Zippo improved its piston cam insert to a hump spring cam. This is why we see some 1936 models with piston cam inserts, and some with the improved hump spring cam inserts.

As more customers were using Zippo lighters, more feedbacks were given. One of which, was that the current model is too squarish, too sharp at the edges, causing discomfort. The rounded edge zippo model was then produced, in 1937 till the World War II.

The 1937/1941 model case has rounded shape, with the usual art deco slashes. It was during 1940/1941 where Zippo let its customers choose to have the lighters without the art deco slashes, and also, improved its efficiency by removing the welded on U shaped cam stop on the lid, and replacing it with a cam stop which was joined together with the hinge. This cam stop with hinge is used till this day, on modern Zippo lighters.

Here is a summary of the characteristics and changes implemented on the design of the lighter over the period.

1932-33

Tall Case 73mm

Brass case Squarish and sharp edges

3 barrel outside hinge

Welded on U cam stop on top lid

Pat pending stamp on flat bottom

Chrome over brass insert with no stamp

16 hole chimney with piston cam spring

Hook shaped cam

Horizontal Flintwheel

1934-35

57mm case

Figure 8 cam

1936

4 barrel outside hinge

1936 4 barrel inside hinge

Pat 2032695 bottom stamp

14 hole chimney with piston cam spring

14 hole chimney with hump cam spring

1937-39

Rounded shape case

1939-41

Cam stop joined with hinge