Zippo Lighters.

A Zippo Lighter is a refillable, metal lighter manufactured by Zippo Manufacturing Company. They are frequently collected and hundreds of different styles and designs have been made in the seven decades since their introduction.Zippo lighters are typically rectangular in design with a hinged flip-top lid. Unlike plastic lighters (such as those made by the BIC Corporation) that are used and thrown away, Zippo lighters are refilled with lighter fluid, which primarily contains naphtha. (They will also work with any flammable liquid, e.g., gasoline, kerosene, rubbing alcohol, or even 151 proof rum.) By sliding the inner component out of the outer shell, its owner can pour lighter fluid into the rayon packing that holds a wick. Both the wick and the flint, which produces the spark to ignite the wick, are replaceable.Zippo lighters gained popularity as “windproof” lighters—able to stay lit in harsh weather. They became popular in the United States military, especially during World War II—when all Zippo lighters produced went to the Allied war effort—and during the Vietnam War. Additionally, Zippo lighters are known for the 'forever' guarantee they carry: if a Zippo lighter breaks, no matter how old or how many different owners, the company will replace or fix the lighter for free. The only part of a Zippo lighter that carries no warranty is the finish on the outside of the outer case and lid.The way a Zippo lighter is constructed makes it very hard to extinguish by trying to blow out or wink out the flame. The proper way to extinguish the lighter is to close the top half, which starves the flame of oxygen. Rapidly closing the top lid produces a loud and easily recognizable clicking sound for which Zippo lighters are known.Current Zippos carry a MSRP between $12.95 up to more than $3,500 USD, depending on the rarity and materials used in the given item. The highest price paid was $18,000 USD at a Tokyo swap meet in 2002.