Awasome When Did Zippo Retire Lighter Number 78198 References. Web zippo lighters were first invented in 1932 and have quickly become a part of many lives. The design of the zippo lighter remains basically the same to this day, with minor improvements.

This is due, in part, to the popularity of lighters during world war one, when soldiers preferred them to matches. Upon america’s entry into the war in 1941, zippo ceased production of lighters for consumer markets and dedicated all production to the u.s. Web a museum called zippo/case visitors center is located in bradford, pa at 1932 zippo drive.