Aluminum Zippos

Vintage aluminum (aluminium) Zippos are extremely rare.  The lighters depicted on this page are prototypes.  There are no known aluminum production models.  The reason is that the metal has a low melting point which caused the hinge to weaken from the heat of the flame.  A reinforced hinge was tested, but was apparently not successful.  In recent years, Zippo has produced aluminum coated, or "anodized" models.

This is a 1956 prototype Zippo with an aluminum case and hinge and Alcoa name and logo. Only one known.  Charles Martin Hall patented a process for producing aluminum cheaply in 1886 and founded the Aluminum Company of America in 1888, which was later renamed Alcoa.

 1957 slim aluminum prototype Zippo with a rare paddleboat design on one side and experimental design on the reverse.

1957 slim aluminum prototype Zippo.  The hinge is made of brass with reinforced attachments to the case and lid to help against the heat.  Curiously, the bottom is marked "10K G.F.", Zippo's markings