1933 GUNMETAL ZIPPO

The first Zippo produced is square-cornered and has no diagonal lines.  These are sometimes referred to by collectors as "1932's" to distinguish them from the 1933's with diagonal lines. The earliest models were solid brass. The Zippo depicted below is a rare gunmetal prototype, a bronze alloy made of copper, tin and zinc.  The case has a three-barrel hinge attached on the outside of the case and a flat bottom which reads:

ZIPPO MFG.CO.  BRADFORD PA.
ZIPPO
PAT. PENDING    MADE IN U.S.A.

The lid has a U-shaped cam stop soldered to the inside.  The insert has no markings and 8 holes on each side of the chimney as opposed to 7 holes introduced later.  The cam is hook-shaped in contrast to the figure-eight cam which soon replaced it.  The insert filled with wool-like material and does not have a felt pad like latter day models do. 

1933 BRASS ZIPPO

This 1933 Zippo has diagonal lines cut on two of four corners.  It also has its hinge replaced with a four barrel hinge which first went into use in 1936

1933 CHROME ZIPPO

This later 1933 model insert has the figure-eight shaped cam similar to the ones on modern day Zippos

1933 REPAIRED ZIPPO

This "1932" has had its original hinge replaced and the original cam has been replaced as well.  In addition a felt pad has been added to the bottom of the insert

Please see The Ultimate Zippo for the finest 1933 "tall" in the Gallery