How to Collect Zippo Lighters

Watch for Zippo lighter knock-offs. These popular lighters are often copied by other manufacturers, which are never the same quality and do not have the same collecting potential. Always purchase a Zippo lighter with the original box and paperwork to ensure it's authenticity.

Be careful when purchasing Zippo lighters with painted designs. There are many beautiful Zippo lighters available with painted pictures on the outer cover; however, to maintain the value of your collection, these types of Zippo lighters are best kept on display and should not be used. After continued use, the paint will begin to chip away, so keep them in a safe location where they will be protected from damage.

Tell all of your friends and family that you are looking to begin or expand your Zippo lighter collection. Zippo lighters make great gifts, and anyone who shops for you for Christmas or your birthday will be happy to know that their decision making process has just become a snap. Be sure to ask them to keep the receipts of their purchase, so that you may exchange any duplicate Zippo lighters you might receive.

Shop for antique or hard to find Zippo lighters at garage sales and antique stores. Zippo lighter's have been around for a long time, and those who do not collect them may be wanting to get rid of their cigarette smoking paraphernalia for whatever reason, so be sure to take advantage. In these cases, it will be rare to find a lighter in the original box with all of the paperwork, so check for the Zippo insignia on the bottom of the lighter.

Check out online auctions and specialty Internet stores for rare or hard to find Zippo lighters that you will not otherwise be able to purchase. From gold plated to gem studded, specialty engraved to old celebrity lighters, the sky is the limit when bidding online.

Look for Zippo lighters to add to your collection in your day to day activities. Zippo lighters are a common item and can be found in tobacco stores, head shops and even truck stops, so keep an eye out for any chance to add another lighter to your Zippo collection.