During WWII, Zippo used steel cases with a black crackle finish due to wartime rationing of brass and other strategic metals. When the war ended in 1945, there was a high demand for brass, especially for rebuilding infrastructure and producing civilian goods, which caused continued shortages into the late 1940s.
As a result, Zippo needed an alternative metal that could be used while brass supplies stabilized. Nickel silver became a suitable substitute.
Mint 1946 solid nickel silver tall case (60mm) with box and paper.
Retains the 14 hole chimney design and same cam shape as the model used in World War 2.
Still using horizontal flintwheel.
A newer designed bottom padding for the insert.
3 Barrel hinge, with the centre barrel significantly longer.
A rare 1946 nickel silver tall case advertiser.
Later of the year (1946), the nickel silver tall case had a chrome finish for a cleaner look, as nickel silver tarnishes easily over time.
Chrome plated 1946 nickel silver tall case, with original box and paper.
The signature longer centre barrel, which collectors look out for, as tall cases are much sought after due to their rarity.
Still retaining the 14 hole chimney nickel silver insert, and cam shape.
The only difference to the insert, a slanted cut flintwheel.
This insert has cigarette filter as padding as well.
By 1947, Zippo had standardized its lighter dimensions, introducing a more compact case measuring approximately 57mm in height. This became the industry norm and has remained largely unchanged in modern Zippos.
A later model 1947 advertiser, chrome plated nickel silver case with original paper and box.
A chrome plated nickel silver 60mm case (left) and a chrome plated nickel silver 57mm case (right). Note that both have hinges with centre barrel significantly longer.
A newer designed 16 hole chimney nickel silver insert.
The newer 16 hole chimney insert with cigarette filter padding.
A later model chrome plated nickel silver 57mm case with original box and paper.
Comparing the hinges of the later model (left) and earlier model (right). The later model hinge was improved to be tight, and all 3 barrels are of similar length, unlike the earlier model, with the centre barrel longer than the other 2 barrels.
Both mint in boxes, new condition. The later model's hinge is much tighter, unlike the earlier model (right).
Both nickel silver cases. Only difference is the hinge.
Now, let's compare the later 1947 zippo and the 1948 zippo.
Comparing the later model 1947, and newer model 1948. Both look exactly the same on the outside.
The only difference is the material used for the cases. The 1947 later model (top), is made of nickel silver (chrome plated), but the 1948 newer model (bottom) is made of brass (chrome plated). We can see a yellow hue on the insides of the bottom case.
Only difference we can observe from the inserts are the bottom pads. The 1948 model is using the newer designed pad, which Zippo uses till date.
Here is a summary of the characteristics and changes implemented on the design of the lighter post war, from 1946-1949.
