1951 USS Dashiell DD 659 Zippo (Korean War)

[@Shorty43204]

Oh wow that looks even better than the pictures! And that hinge action is perfect, zero wobble. I always think it's awesome that there can be so much history in a little piece of metal!

[@zippolyonsden1623]

I was very surprised with what good of shape it is in. Then, when I started researching the vessel and dating the lighter, it's story got more and more interesting. Plus, I say in the video that the ship is a destroyer, I misspoke on that one. It's was actually a battleship.

[@davidchase8170]

I love the tight hinge in the older ones. I think the hinge being tighter gives it a little different click sound when it closes

[@zippolyonsden1623]

Definitely agree. The vintage Zippos do seem to have a tighter hinge. Unless well used, of course. They do make a different, more solid click when opening. Especially the ones with humped cam springs.

[@fredelas265]

Military Zippos are my favorites. That's actually how I got started collecting. One of my professors had a display with three of them on his desk, he said they belonged to friends who served with him in Vietnam and died. At first I thought that was a little morbid, but then I realized it's a thoughtful way to preserve their memories. Now all the Zippos I collect are from their original owners or their relatives, and I have all their stories written down on cards.

[@zippolyonsden1623]

That is really cool that you have all the background history for the military Zippos you collect. I only know the history of only a couple of the military ones I own.

[@fredelas265]

​@@zippolyonsden1623 My collection isn't very big. I only have 14 Zippos so far and most of them aren't in very good condition. I guess I like to think I'm collecting stories, and the Zippos are just artifacts to go along with those.

[@zippolyonsden1623]

I couldn't have said it better myself. Most of my vintage collections are used Zippos and other lighters. Sometimes, when I'm cleaning a new addition, I tend to ponder as to what stories it could tell.

[@Lighter_collector]

An absolutely beautiful lighter. Wow the condition is crazy.

[@zippolyonsden1623]

The person who was selling it didn't have a pic of the bottom in their ad. Thought it was from the 1960s. Drove an hour to get it and discovered it was what it was and couldn't stop smiling.

[@Lighter_collector]

Wow that’s a great story. Probably never find another one in that condition. Congrats

[@zippolyonsden1623]

Most probably will never find one in as good of shape for the price I paid for this one. Was a very good deal.

[@Zippofanatic77outdoors]

Terry what’s good my man ! Sick friggin lighter what a gem. Very good condition also. Reverse stamp too another bonus

[@zippolyonsden1623]

Hey, how have you been doing lately? Was an awesome deal I found I Facebook marketplace about an hour from where I live. Didn't even know what year it was until I got there, lol. Couldn't stop smiling all the way home. You know me, I got it cheap too, lol.