WWII zippo lighter question.

[bluemoon]

I acquired a black crackle zippo lighter. It is my first. I was suprised by two things...how light it is compared to modern zipoos and how small it is in comparison. Is this typical of zipoos from the 40s?

[hbtcoveralls]

Wartime Zippos are actually very poorly made, hence their relatively low survival rate. The hinge is probably their worst feature.The paint flakes off allowing the metal underneath to rust. Most of their contemporary competitors, however, (like the Windy lighter) used pot metal instead of steel and they actually seem to survive in better condition.

Tom Bowers

[bluemoon]

So, they are smaller and lighter than contemporary zippos. I was a little surprised by how light and small mine was (in comparison to a modern-day Zippo)