The first Zippo was produced in 1933 after Mr. Blaisdell noticed that the popular Austrian lighters of the time worked well in the wind but were hard to use and easily damaged. When Zippos first hit the market they sold for $1.95 each and were backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee, over time the prices have changed but the lifetime guarantee has always remained. Now, over 88 years later, Zippo produces a wide variety of different products, but the Zippo lighter will be forever ingrained in American and international culture as the most dependable, durable, and reliable lighter available.