Vintage Old School Very Unique Vietnam War Zippo Three Lighter Set
Vintage Old School Very Unique Vietnam War Zippo Three Lighter Set. NOTE: BEFORE GOING FORWARD NOTE THAT TWO OF THESE ZIPPOS ARE UNQUESTIONABLY REPRODUCTIONS - ONE OF THE THREE COULD BE AUTHENTIC. Too many people out there trying to pawn off what they knew to be fake Vietnam War Zippos as the real deal.. This is a set of some very unique, beautifully composed Vietnam styled Zippo lighters.
Now, before we go any further - two of these Zippos are not original Vietnam Zippos - but rather reproductions. One of them (this will be discussed further) is questionably authentic - though not confirmed. My uncle served in Vietnam, and had quite the collection of authentic Vietnam War Zippos - many of which he gathered from close combat friends he kept in touch with until his death.
While the vast majority of his collection was indeed legit, he also came across a reproduction or two he though so unique, so "capturing" of the war in which he fought - he decided to take those in as well. There are three lighters in this set - the first two lighters that will be discussed are the two reproductions - that (although not legitimate Vietnam War Zippos) are quite stunning in their aesthetic, as well as their design. Zippo Number One: Reproduction: NHA TRANG. This Zippo - once again - is a reproduction, with the years 64-65 engraved at the top. The bottom of the Zippo - however - reveals that this Zippo was made in 1972 (see date chart above). While this quickly rules out the possibility of this being an authentic Vietnam War zippo, it is quite the spectacular vintage reproduction. The top flip of the Zippo is engraved in thick lettering "Vietnam, " below it the fabricated years of 64-65 - beneath: NHA TRANG.The bottom half of the front of the Zippo bears a wonderfully detailed mine, anchor, and submarine. At the back of the Zippo, some natural wear (this is an old Zippo, dating to'72). I think that this natural wear of the metal makes for an awesome, rustic piece. The inscription at the back of the Zippo I've loved every inch of the land I stand: I'll die before I LL run. " Note that "I'll" before the word "run is missing the apostrophe.
Zippo opens and closes perfectly - no insert (actual butane lighter) inside. Zippo Number Two: Reproduction: BINH LONG. This Zippo is another reproduction, with the years 75-75 engraved at the top. The bottom of the Zippo - however - reveals that this Zippo was made in 1979 (see date chart above). Again this rules out the possibility of this being an authentic Vietnam War Zippo - but this one really is an INCREDIBLE reproduction.
This has to be one of the most unique looking, beautifully composed imitations I've seen out there. The Zippo has one of the COOLEST "worn aesthetics" I've seen out there. A mix of polished cool tone steel, giving way to rustic gold tone brass. Has a truly awesome feel and texture to the casing. The top front flip of the Zippo reads as follows: "Vietnam, " the fabricated years of 74-75, BINH LONG.
The bottom half of the Zippo front bears a HIGHLY detailed, beautifully engraved Royal Australian Regiment insignia. The back of this zippo top features two billowing flags.The bottom half of the back of the Zippo bears the following inscription: I'm sure I'm going to (the) Heaven because I've spent my time in Hell. Again, a reproduction - but man. An awesome, highly unique one at that. There is a butane insert inside, but it is not functional.
Zippo Number Three: Questionably Authentic: SAI GON. I wish my uncle was around to to get his take. The years 68-69 are engraved at the top of this zippo - and when viewing the date indicators at the bottom of the zippo, the indicators/markers do correspond to the year 1968 (III III) - something you can ascertain for yourself if you view the zippo date chart included in the listing.
(aesthetically) is the most fantastic, A lovely orange brass hue giving way in spots to black, mottled oxidized steel. The etchings are far more faint on this Zippo. At the front bottom, a dove with outstretched wings - just behind this dove - the blade of a highly detailed sword.The dove and sword and enveloped in a shield. Moving on to the back of the zippo, the inscription: the more days you've been in the army, the more Hells you've gotten! CLOSE inspection of the back reveals that behind the very legible inscription - there is another "hidden" inscription.
To worn, too concealed to make out in full. That inscription (the hidden one) looks to be hand scrawled, and very lightly carved into the Zippo. Man do I wish I knew what it said!
I've spent so much time trying to decipher. This zippo comes with an insert that still actually sparks - but is not in working order. All of the lighters open and close flawlessly. So there you have it - two reproductions (spectacular at that) and one questionable. Either way, I have NOT seen anything like these Zippos out there on the market..They have been in the family for as LONG as I can remember. Some truly unique pieces, paying homage to the men who fought and died in a foreign land.
I will get back to you promptly. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tobacciana\Lighters\Zippo\Other Zippo Lighters". The seller is "uniqueluxurygoods" and is located in this country: US.
This item can be shipped worldwide.- Brand: Zippo
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Vietnam
- Modified Item: No