Very rare mint ww2 three barrel black crackle Zippo

Up for bids is this Zippo display that contains an original mint 1943 three barrel black crackle Zippo. The lighter has never been used or filled and has all it’s paint remaining. Inside the lid bright steel is visible looking almost like on the day it was made. Just a few spots of surface rust which I think can easily be removed if wanted. The insert still has the shiny electroplated zinc coating the factory put on it to protect it from rusting. It has not been polished! On most black crackles found nowadays the layer of zinc has corroded and turned into a hard dull grey green crust. Not on this perfectly preserved example though! The insert has the cigarette filter type felt pad that was common in ww2 Zippo’s and a snow white wick. The original flint had turned to dust so I put in a new one.

The small brown paper inside the frame explains that the black wrinkle paint and zinc coating on the insert were placed there to protect the lighter from corroding. For the first time since Zippo was founded the lifetime warranty explicitly excluded the finish of the lighter!

Under the Zippo and leaflet is a reprint of a Zippo ad from 1942 explaining that the whole production is drafted by the army. Though Zippo’s were unavailable in the U.S. Zippo kept advertising them during the entire war.

Completing the display and bringing life to the black crackle Zippo is a replica of a display flame used by Roseart, a Bradford based funeral home owner that started making Zippo table lighters in the 1950’s. The original flames were made and used in the 1950’s. The one in the display was cast from an original in clear red resin.

This auction is for all items and the display case. The zippo lighter is securely mounted inside the display with the help of three very strong neodymium magnets that are glued to the back of the frame. It can easily be taken out. Both the ad and small leaflet can also be taken out and are not glued or taped.

The frame be packed very carefully before shipping and the lighter inside will be packed in a small box for extra protection.