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This is a 1936 Zippo lighter. At least I believe it to be from 1936 based on the outside, 4 barrel hinge, the square shape and the patent number "2032695." The top line of the bottom reads, "ZIPPO MFG CO BRADFORD PA" and the middle line reads, "ZIPPO." The bottom line bears the patent number with "PAT PENDING." The front bears the initials "RJW" on black and the corners have a lined design. It has been used, and used well and I would say the condition is good to very good. The wick is in place and the wheel turns freely with no spark. The only damage I see is to the finish on the front and the initial plate, and this is visible in the photos (along with mild to moderate surface scratching). All in all though, a great piece. Any questions, please ask. Thanks for looking.

Correction! The word "PENDING" does not appear anywhere on this lighter. The bottom row on the underside reads, "PAT 2032695." I apologize for the error.

Also...a buyer sent me a message stating that this hinge was on the INSIDE and that the lighter is a 1937. Please see photos and decide for yourelf. I am not trying to be deceitful. It is what it is, and the photos will have to speak for themselves, as I am not an expert by any means!! However, I have done research on this item, and in my mind it is listed correctly. I welcome opinions to the contrary, as again, I am not an expert, and do NOT want to mislead anyone, or sell an item as something it is not. If you have further questions or if you would like additional photos, please ask and I will do my best to answer and clarify.

Lastly, I was able to clean the front surface of the item, but have been unable to upload any additional photos at this time due to camera issues. Once resolved, I will add better photos.

Thank you!!!

Ok...with help from a very knowledgable and very kind ebayer I was able to determine that this lighter does not have the "hump" type spring under the wick. It is the piston type that is visible under the cam. Also, there are 14 holes in the chimney. I hope these details help in determining the exact year this was made. I am still trying to post the best photos I can get, but I keep running into problems. Thanks for you patience.

By way of further clarifiation, given all the information I have received, it would appear that this was made in late 1936 (even though it does not have the outside hinge as I first thought). The 1937 had a flat spring under the cam, not the piston type spring....and it also had the "hump" under the wick. Whew...I had no idea there was so much to know about Zippo lighters! Thank you Zippo Paul!!!!!

I'm told that this item is officially referred to as a "36/37" by collectors.

There has been a lot of interest from international buyers. I would be willing to ship internationally, however I cannot accept returns or offer a refund if there were to be a problem with receipt of the item. I can use regular US mail for $10. or UPS International for the exact cost, whatever it may be. Shipping within the US is still free. Hope that helps.

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