Wild Turkey Promotional Brushed Chrome Lighter by Zippo
Cigarette Lighter / Tobacciana · Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1932, Zippo is globally renowned for their windproof lighters and lifetime guarantees.
Pattern: Corporate Promotional / Wild Turkey Bourbon Series. Custom etched logo on a standard brushed chrome finish.
Type
Cigarette Lighter / Tobacciana
Maker
Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1932, Zippo is globally renowned for their windproof lighters and lifetime guarantees.
Material
Brass base metal with Brushed Chrome plating. Note: This item contains 0% silver. Standard Zippo cases are fabricated from brass and then electroplated.
Dimensions
Standard Zippo size: approx. 5.7 cm x 3.8 cm x 1.3 cm. Weight is approximately 56 grams (2.0 oz).
Description
An iconic American windproof lighter featuring the branding of Wild Turkey Bourbon. The item reflects the synergy between the tobacco and spirits industries in the late 20th century, utilizing Zippo's most reliable and recognizable industrial design.
Key Features
Horizontal brushed chrome grain, deep-etched 'Wild Turkey' typography, five-barrel hinge, and standard rectangular proportions.
Material & Composition
Brass base metal with Brushed Chrome plating. Note: This item contains 0% silver. Standard Zippo cases are fabricated from brass and then electroplated.
Finish & Decoration
Brushed Chrome surface with a horizontal grain. The 'Wild Turkey' logo is deep-etched/engraved through the plating into the brass substrate.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside (not visible in image) will feature the Zippo logo, 'Bradford, PA. Made in U.S.A.', and a date code consisting of a letter (A-L) and Roman numerals or digits.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped brass casing with a two-piece 'clamshell' design joined by a spot-welded five-barrel metal hinge. Includes a removable internal steel fuel canister.
Functional Features
Spring-action cam, flint-wheel ignition, windproof perforated chimney, and characteristic 'Zippo Click' sound upon opening.
Handle & Grip Details
Hinged lid for one-handed operation. The brushed texture provides a non-slip grip compared to high-polish versions.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production. High-quality tolerances for the hinge and lid alignment typical of American-made Zippos.
Authentication Indicators
Authenticity is verified by checking the bottom stamp for crispness and checking the insert for matching date codes and 'Zippo' branding.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Bradford, Pennsylvania. Zippo maintains a strict single-location manufacturing tradition for its windproof lighter line.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century. This specific aesthetic is consistent with 1980s-2000s promotional American corporate merchandise.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. While the date code on the bottom is required for precision, the 'Wild Turkey' font style aligns with this vintage.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of branded utility items and masculine 'Every Day Carry' (EDC) culture in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Good / User condition. Surface displays significant pocket wear (scuffing and fine scratches). Notable adhesive residue or plating wear above the 'W' in Wild Turkey. Hinge appears intact.
Value Estimate
$20.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is driven by the 'Wild Turkey' branding rather than silver content (which is non-existent).
Care & Maintenance
Clean casing with mild soapy water. For the brass showing through the etchings, a light metal polish can be used. Replace flint and wick regularly; use only Zippo lighter fluid.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Zippo Case (actual silver), Street Chrome Zippo (rougher finish), or Venetian Zippo (engraved patterns).
Interesting Facts
Zippo has produced thousands of promotional designs; liquor brands like Wild Turkey are among the most collected among 'Tobacciana' and 'Breweriana' enthusiasts.