Silver Sterling Marks on Zippos

The placement of the "Sterling" mark provides a clue as to the age of the sterling silver Zippo.

1946-48: "Sterling" mark placed below the three-barrel hinge; the case has the standard "canned" bottom.

1938-41: "Sterling" inscribed right underneath "Zippo" on the bottom.

1948-54: "Sterling Zippo" marking on one end of a flat plain bottom.  Up to 1949 the case has a three barrel hinge, and 1949-54 a five-barrel hinge.

1955 and later: "Sterling" mark were placed below and to the right of the stylized Zippo letters on the bottom.  The insert (if original) is the best source for dating in later years.

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