Solid Titanium Zippo Lighters

[Chris]

So my friend owes me some money and asked if he could pay me by giving me his solid titanium zippo lighters. At first I was skeptical, asking him how on earth a zippo lighter could be worth much. He told me that he spent forever looking for them, and since they were only made in very limited runs, they are extremely valuable.

Well, he wasn't wrong. I started looking these things up online, and holy cow... People are paying upward of $500 plus any day for these.

There's one on eBay right now with 49 bids, and look what it's up to:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=112793762415

So he told me I could sell it and get the money out of it, which I intend on doing, since I have no need for it. But wow, just searching for these on the internet, there's threads on Reddit where people are asking if anyone has one for sale, saying they'll pay any price.

Seriously, I never would have imagined a solid titanium zippo lighter was that big of a deal!

Either way, it looks like I won't have an issue getting my money at all.

 

[lowranger]

I have one from when I was in the service stuck in an old foot locker. I doubt that it is titanium, but I better go check anyway.

 

[JMT]

Why didn’t the guy just sell it and give you the money?

 

[Chris]

Why didn’t the guy just sell it and give you the money?

He's just lazy. I've known him almost all my life, it's just how he is.

I have one from when I was in the service stuck in an old foot locker. I doubt that it is titanium, but I better go check anyway.

Yes, make sure you check. Many of them are titanium coated, which aren't worth the big bucks. It's the solid titanium ones that are apparently rare as hens teeth.

 

[ohiopatriot]

Zippos can have surprisingly good collector value. They make many themes that are low production number and difficult to get hold of. Check ebay for a Jeep or TJ zippo,

not precious metal but still $100 plus easy. I like my Zippos.

Wish I was in a position to make an offer on yours right now.

 

[Chris]

Wow, that's a damn cool collection @ohiopatriot, especially all of those Jeep Zippos!

I'll have to snap some photos of the ones he sent me (he lives in Arizona, so I'm waiting for them to get here on Friday). One of them is the solid titanium Zippo, and another one is an extremely limited run Zippo he got from a guy who builds custom knifes.

Pictures will happen on Friday for sure!

 

[lowranger]

45 years old with original box, but not titanium.

 

[Mike_H]

Make sure he has the paperwork and stuff. Don't know much about Zippo's in particular, but collectibles in general are worth far more when you have provenance vs just the item. Stories help your situation too.

Looking at the one on Ebay you posted, the original box and documentation go with it. That is adding to the value. Don't know how much this guy owes you, but I hate for you to expect 500 bucks, and he shows up with a scratched up POS with no box and you can only get 150 for it. Good way to ruin a friendship.

 

[Chris]

Make sure he has the paperwork and stuff. Don't know much about Zippo's in particular, but collectibles in general are worth far more when you have provenance vs just the item. Stories help your situation too.

Looking at the one on Ebay you posted, the original box and documentation go with it. That is adding to the value. Don't know how much this guy owes you, but I hate for you to expect 500 bucks, and he shows up with a scratched up POS with no box and you can only get 150 for it. Good way to ruin a friendship.

Good point, I’ll ask him about that today!

 

[Cisco Kid]

I carry 3 for every day use, Cigars, Campfire and heat shrink tubing. One has a Star with Marshall on it and one is a mini How can you live without them?
I also have three WWII, one is US Navy, all in need of minor repair.

 

[RussTJ]

I've been planning on buying a Zippo sooner or later. My Dad used one and the sound of it opening and the smell always make me think of him. I've never smoked so didn't need one but may get one to keep in the garage. Thanks.