Zippo WWII | prz.ch

U.S. Army Air Forces – Darling

Very special, well worn black crackle Zippo with a framed picture of GI's darling and a U.S. Army officers collar insignia on the front and a U.S. Army Air Force insignia on the back with a centered Island 1 Eyrir coin underneath with a M1 Garand .30-06 Springfield bullet on the left and on the right of the coin.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces – Darling, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 1

U.S. Army Air Forces – Darling, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth»

The U.S. Army Air Force Combat units of WWII was constituted as 8th Bomber Command on 19 Jan 1942, the command conducted the heavy bombardment operations. Redesignated 8th Air Force on 22 Feb 1944. Afterward, engaged primarily in bombardment of strategic targets in Europe. These missions, however, carried a high price. Half of the U.S. Army Air Forces' casualties in WWII were suffered by 8th Air Force – more than 47,000 casualties with more than 26,000 dead. Seventeen Medals of Honor went to 8th Air Force personnel and there were 261 fighter aces in the 8th Air Force during World War II.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with different decorations: a St. Michael the saint of the U.S. Army Air Force units, a U.S. Army Air Force insignia, an emblem of the «The Mighty Eighth», a skull on the side, three different American coins and the following statements engraved: «Momento Mori», «Carpe Diem» and «Tempo Fugato».

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth», Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth», Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth», Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth», Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 4

U.S. Army 8th Air Force Bomber Command – «The Mighty Eighth», Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 5

U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein

Paul J. Stein (35398924) served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. He served with the 19th Mess Group at Amarillo Army Air Field, Texas, before later assignments with the 2132nd AAF Base Unit at Maxwell Field, Alabama, and Unit H, 2123rd AAF Base Unit (Flexible Gunnery School) at Harlingen Army Air Field, Texas. Naples had suffered approximately 200 Allied air raids before its capture in October 1943 and subsequently became one of the most important Allied ports and logistical hubs in Italy. Stein was stationed there during the closing months of the war, witnessing both Victory in Europe Day (8 May 1945) and Victory over Japan Day (15 August 1945).

Well worn black crackle Zippo with various engravings: the U.S. Army Air Force bomber insignia and the place of action «Naples» and «Italy» on the front and «VE» known as Victory in Europe Day, the owners name «Paul. J. Stein», his personal service number «35398924» and the date «8.15.45» together with «VJ» the day that proclaimed Victory over Japan Day on the other side.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

U.S. Army Air Forces Bomber – Paul. J. Stein, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons

The 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated and consisted of the 346th, 347th, 348th, and 416th Bomb squadrons. The 416th Bombardment Squadron played a crucial role in WWII. Activated in 1942, it deployed to North Africa and later operated from bases in Italy. Flying B-17 bombers, it conducted strategic bombing missions against Axis targets, including Operation Tidal Wave. The squadron's bravery and skill contributed significantly to Allied victories in the Mediterranean Theater.

Early chrome plated brass Zippo with square corners and diagonal lines. The emblem of the unit is engraved on the front, the owner's initials «REE» on the back and below a scene of the glamorous Faraglioni stones on the island of Capri, the name «Capri» and the year of the visit «1944».

Model:
three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom
Year:
1937
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Vorderseite

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 2

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 3

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 4

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 5

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 6

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 7

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 9

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 10

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 11

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 13

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 14

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 15

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 16

U.S. Army Air Forces – 416th Bomb Squadrons, Modell three barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937, Ansicht 17

58th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad – Irving M. Benson

Irving M. Benson (32412098) served with the 58th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad at Bizerte, Tunisia, in February 1944. Earlier, in October 1943, he was wounded in Italy by bomb fragments during an aerial bombing attack while serving with the Ordnance Branch and remained hospitalized following treatment for his injuries. The squad served in the Mediterranean Theater, where its personnel operated under hazardous conditions clearing unexploded bombs and ammunition from airfields, ports, supply depots and former combat zones. Following the Allied victory in North Africa, Tunisia became a major Allied staging area for operations against Sicily and mainland Italy, making Bomb Disposal units an essential part of Allied military operations.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with U.S. Army Bomb Disposal Squad badge in the shape of a bomb on the front together with the initials «B» and «D», the owner's surname «Benson» and the year «1942». The reverse is engraved with the owner's full name «Irving Benson» and a map symbol.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

58th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad – Irving M. Benson, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 1

58th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad – Irving M. Benson, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

58th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad – Irving M. Benson, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 3

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin»

John W. Robinson (36755043) served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII. After entering service at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on 19 June 1943, he trained at Fort Custer, Michigan, Greensboro, North Carolina, Greeley and Fort Logan, Colorado, before assignment to Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina. In April 1944 he arrived in Italy via Hampton Roads and Brindisi and subsequently served with the 90th Depot Repair Squadron, 15th Air Force, based in Naples. Following the end of the war he returned to the United States in July 1945 and was honorably discharged on 5 September 1945.

Chrome plated Zippo with U.S. Army Air Force insignia, a sterling lucky gremlin charm were popular with the B-17 crew and an emblem of AAF eastern technical training command on the front. From a soldier with the service number 36755043 from Chicago who started 19 June 1943 at fort Sheridan Illinois and was honorably discharged 5 September 1945. On the back, the side and on the top all training camps and stays are engraved. In chronological order: 1631st SURRC Ft. Custer, Mich 3 Jul 43, 1177th Tng Gp BTC # 10 Greensboro, NC 11 Jul 43, 74th AAF TTD Greeley, Colo 5 Oct 43, 24th TSS, AAF WTTC Ft Logan, Colo 5 Oct 43, 23d TSS, AAF WTTC Ft Logan, Colo 25 Oct 43, ORD # 3, Seymour Johnson Field, Goldsboro, NC 9 Dec 43, Camp Patrick Henry, Va., Hampton Roads, Va., SS Livermore 2-28 Apr 44 Brindisi, Italy, 90th Dep. Rep. Sq., 15th AF AAF SC/MTO Naples, Italy, SS Mt. Vernon 8-18 Jul. 45, Hampton Roads, Va., Camp Patrick Henry, Va., Camp Grant, III, Ft. Sheridan, III.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 1

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 2

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 3

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 4

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 5

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Lucky Gremlin», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 6

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Saint Christopher»

Worn black crackle Zippo with U.S. Army Air Force pilot badge on the top, three different emblems (Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress airplane, Allison, SAAD) on the front and seven emblems (St. Christopher, Boeing airplane, British Legion, Masonic, ELKS, Pratt & Whitney and Wright engines) on the other side.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Saint Christopher», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Vorderseite

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Saint Christopher», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Rückseite

U.S. Army Air Forces – «Saint Christopher», Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Oberseite

Vultee Aircraft – engraved by Zippo

The Vultee Aircraft Corporation became an independent company in 1939 in Los Angeles County, California. During the WWII Vultee produced different combat airplanes like e.g. the P-66 Vanguard.

Zippo with original factory engraving of the Vultee Aircraft Corporation logo.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

Vultee Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 1

Vultee Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 2

Vultee Aircraft – Lt. J. C. Osgood

Zippo with original factory engraving of the Vultee Aircraft Corporation logo on the front and the recipients name «LT. J. C. OSGOOD» on the other side together with «COMMEMORATING MASS DELIVERY OF 123 VULTEE VALIANT BASIC TRAINERS VULTEE FIELD. CAL. OCTOBER 18. 1941» underneath.

John C. Osgood, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Fifteenth Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of Action during WWII.

Model:
five barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

Vultee Aircraft – Lt. J. C. Osgood, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 1

Vultee Aircraft – Lt. J. C. Osgood, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed during war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 2

Lockheed Aircraft – Metallique Logo

During WWII, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation played a crucial role by producing advanced military aircraft, including the P-38 Lightning fighter, Hudson bomber, and C-69 Constellation transport. The company supplied thousands of aircraft for the U.S. and Allied forces, significantly contributing to aerial combat, reconnaissance, and logistics.

Worn Metallique Zippo with an original factory-applied Lockheed Aircraft Corporation logo.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo

The Bell Aircraft Corporation was an aircraft manufacturer of the United States, a builder of several types of fighter aircraft for WWII.

Mint black crackle Zippo with original factory engraving of the Bell Aircraft Corporation logo.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 1

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Vorderseite

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 4

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo used

The Bell Aircraft Corporation was an aircraft manufacturer of the United States, a builder of several types of fighter aircraft for WWII.

Well worn Zippo with original factory engraving of the Bell Aircraft Corporation logo.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 – 43
Status:
in collection

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo used, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 – 43, Vorderseite

Bell Aircraft – engraved by Zippo used, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 – 43, Ansicht 2

Bell P-39

The Bell P-39 Airacobra was one of the principal American fighter aircraft in service when the United States entered WWII. By the time of the Pearl Harbor attack, nearly 600 P-39s had been built. When P-39 production ended in August 1944, Bell had built 9'558 Airacobras.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with a miniature metal Bell P-39 applied.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

Bell P-39, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 1

Bell P-39, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

Fairchild C-82 Packet

First flown in 1944, the first delivery was not until June 1945 and only a few entered service before the end of the war. In the end, only 223 C-82As would be built, a small number for a wartime production cargo aircraft. Most were used for cargo and troop transport, although a few were used for paratroop operations or towing military gliders.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with a miniature metal Fairchild C-82 applied.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

Fairchild C-82 Packet, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

Fairchild C-82 Packet, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Naval Aviation – F.B.

WWII saw the emergence of naval aviation as the decisive element in the war at sea. The principal users were Japan, United States and Britain. During the course of the war, seaborne aircraft were used in fleet actions at sea (Midway, Bismarck), strikes against naval units in port (Taranto, Pearl Harbor), support of ground forces (Okinawa, Allied invasion of Italy) and anti-submarine warfare (the Battle of the Atlantic). Carrier-based aircraft were specialised as dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighters. Surface-based aircraft such as the PBY Catalina helped finding submarines and surface fleets.

Worn Zippo with U.S. Naval Aviator emblem on the front and personal initials «F.B.» on the other side.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

U.S. Naval Aviation – F.B., Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 1

U.S. Naval Aviation – F.B., Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps Insignia – original by Zippo

Black crackle Zippo with the U.S. Marine Corps insignia on the front. During WWII, the Marines performed a central role along with the U.S. Army, particularly in the pacific war.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – Insignia

Well worn black crackle Zippo with the U.S. Marine Corps insignia on the front.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – Insignia, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Vorderseite

U.S. Marine Corps – Insignia, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps – Marine Raiders

The Marine Raiders are special operations forces originally established by the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII as the first special operations forces an elite force within an elite force to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare. The Raider Battalions were put into action on August 1942 and landed assigned to the 1st Marine Division on Tulagi in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate as the opening phase of the Guadalcanal Campaign. During the New Georgia Campaign, the 1st Marine Raider Regiment was task organized for a new mission with the 1st and 4th Raiders. At the same time, the 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions were temporarily attached to the 2nd Marine Raider Regiment for the invasion of Bougainville, the final combat action of the Raiders before their dissolution.

Well worn black crackle Zippo with scratched Marine Raiders insignia on the front and the year «1943» and the name «Bougainville» on the back side.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – Marine Raiders, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

U.S. Marine Corps – Marine Raiders, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps – Marine Raiders, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Marine Corps – 1st Marine Regiment

The 1st Marine Regiment, part of the 1st Marine Division, earned its reputation during some of the fiercest battles of World War II, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Known for its toughness and precision, the regiment became a symbol of elite U.S. fighting forces in the Pacific. The phrase «1st Time Every Time» served as an unofficial motto among members of the 1st Marine Regiment during World War II, reflecting their commitment to precision, discipline, and mission success—values that defined the unit’s legendary combat record.

Black crackle Zippo engraved with «1st TIME EVERY TIME» on the bottom side.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – 1st Marine Regiment, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Vorderseite

U.S. Marine Corps – 1st Marine Regiment, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps – 1st Marine Regiment, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Marine Corps – V Amphibious Corps

The V Amphibious Corps (VAC) was a formation of the United States Marine Corps that was active from August 25, 1943 to February 15, 1946. In 1945, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions landed at Iwo Jima as part of V Amphibious Corps, a large type of composited unit. More than 70,000 U.S. Marines conducted an amphibious assault to take the Island of Iwo Jima from fortified Japanese forces. Over 36 days nearly 7,000 Marines would be killed during the battle, which is regarded as one of the bloodiest of WWII.

Black crackle Zippo engraved with «V.A.C», the coat of arms and the owners name «R. H. Avery» on the front and a «B» on the other side.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – V Amphibious Corps, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Vorderseite

U.S. Marine Corps – V Amphibious Corps, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps – V Amphibious Corps, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Marine Corps – V Amphibious Corps, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 4

U.S. Marine Corps – Iwo Jima

The 4th Marine Division played a crucial role in several key battles during WWII in the Pacific Theater. While many Marines who would later serve in the 4th Marine Division were first stationed at Pearl Harbor, the division itself became prominent later in the war. The division led the assaults on the Marshall Islands and was heavily involved in the invasion of Saipan in 1944. In 1945, the 4th Marine Division was one of the main assault forces in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Additionally, personnel from the division or associated units participated in the battle for Guam or passed through during the campaign.

Well worn Zippo with diagonal lines with the owners initials «E. P. B.» and locations where he served during the war «Iwo Jima», «Guam» and «Saipan» engraved on the front side and «Pearl Harbor» and «Marshall Islands» on the back side.

Model:
five barrel hinge (fixed after war), flat bottom
Year:
1937 - 41
Status:
in collection

U.S. Marine Corps – Iwo Jima, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed after war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 1

U.S. Marine Corps – Iwo Jima, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed after war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 2

U.S. Marine Corps – Iwo Jima, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed after war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Vorderseite

U.S. Marine Corps – Iwo Jima, Modell five barrel hinge (fixed after war), flat bottom, Jahr 1937 - 41, Ansicht 4

James Lewis Day – Medal of Honor

Major General James Lewis Day (0-56003) was a U.S. Marine Corps officer who served during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During WWII he served with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, participating in combat operations in the Marshall Islands, Guam and Okinawa. As part of the 6th Marine Division, one of the principal assault formations during the Battle of Okinawa, Day fought in some of the campaign's fiercest engagements, including the bitter struggle for Sugar Loaf Hill. For extraordinary heroism displayed during the Okinawa campaign he was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Black crackle Zippo engraved with his name «J. L. Day» and «Okinawa» on the front and with 29 special marks on the edges.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

James Lewis Day – Medal of Honor, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

James Lewis Day – Medal of Honor, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

James Lewis Day – Medal of Honor, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Navy – Operation Torch

U.S. naval forces played a central role in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942 and the first large-scale American amphibious operation of WWII. Naval units were responsible for transporting invasion forces, escorting convoys, providing fire support, and securing ports along the Moroccan and Algerian coasts.

Nickel plated Zippo engraved «NORTH AFRICA / NOVEMBER 11–19 42 / 1943–1944 / 1945». The reverse features an applied insignia in the form of crossed fouled anchors, and the top of the lid is engraved with a circled «X».

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy – Operation Torch, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Vorderseite

U.S. Navy – Operation Torch, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry

Submarines are very valuable attack vehicles. In WWII they were basically surface ships that could travel underwater for a limited time. The submarines of the United States were already very advanced and won the Pacific theatre. Charles Mc Henry (8576203), served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the submarine U.S.S. Finback. She arrived at Pearl Harbor in May 1942 and was dispatched to the Midway area in anticipation of a Japanese attack. Between 1942 and the end of the war, she embarked on 12 war patrols, 9 of which were designated successful. She sank a total of 69,383 tons of enemy shipping during the war, and rescued, among other downed aviators, future President of the United States George Bush.

Chrome plated Zippo with silver U.S. Submarine Warfare insignia for enlisted personnel plus personal items containing a launching button, a ring, a U.S. Submarine combat insignia and Charles Mc Henry's combat card, which he received after successfully completing his first patrol.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 4

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Vorderseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Rückseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 7

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 8

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 9

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 12

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Finback» – Charles Mc Henry, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 13

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Aegier» & «U.S.S. Pelias» – Submarine Tenders

Submarine tenders like the USS Aegir (AS-23) and USS Pelias (AS-14) played a vital but often overlooked role during WWII. These ships were floating repair bases, supplying submarines with fuel, provisions, armament, and technical maintenance far from mainland shipyards. Their mobility allowed the submarine fleet to remain active across the vast Pacific theater. The USS Pelias, one of the early submarine tenders, sailed to Pearl Harbor before the Japanese attack, arriving on 21 November 1941, and was present during the attack on 7 December 1941 – her anti-aircraft fire helping to repel Japanese aircraft. She went on to see extensive service throughout the Pacific during the war. The USS Aegir, commissioned in 1943, represented the newer class of tenders built to meet the demands of large scale submarine operations. Together, they supported the «Silent Service» – the submarine force whose campaigns were critical in cutting Japanese supply lines.

Worn black crackle Zippo, its surface etched with the owner’s initials «E.T.A.» above the names of ships he served on, «USS Aegir» and «USS Pelias», on the front. The reverse bears the places of action «Midway», «Pearl Harbor» and «Panama», while the sides are marked «Frisco Cal» and «U.S. Navy».

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Aegier» & «U.S.S. Pelias» – Submarine Tenders, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Vorderseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Aegier» & «U.S.S. Pelias» – Submarine Tenders, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Aegier» & «U.S.S. Pelias» – Submarine Tenders, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 3

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Aegier» & «U.S.S. Pelias» – Submarine Tenders, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 4

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek

The German freighter Arauca was interned at Port Everglades end of 1939 and was acquired on 1942 by the U.S. Navy, renamed to U.S.S. Saturn (AK-49) and designated as a cargo ship and in 1944 converted to a storeship (AF-40). U.S.S. Saturn sailed to the Mediterranean carrying supplies for the invasion of southern France. After one trip to Iceland and several voyages to the Caribbean, she made another trip to Oran in March 1945. She then resumed her supply voyages up and down the Atlantic Coast until arriving at Norfolk, Va., on 1 July 1946, where she was decommissioned.

Chrome plated Zippo with a many engravings of a crew member of the U.S.S. Saturn named Edmund R. Ondracek (8585638) with the rating of Electrician's Mate at the second-class level: six names of friends on the lid and «E. R. Ondracek, U.S.S. Saturn, Bermuda, Cuba, San Juan Riveira, Puerto Rico, Trinidad Oran, North Africa and Bizerte, Tunis on the front. «U.S. Navy E.M 2/c, Dec. 43 to June 46 aboard U.S.S. Saturn, Norfolk, VA., Bayonne, N.J., Boston, Mass. Phila.» on the lid and «Marseille, Toulon, Southern France, Naple, Italy, Palermo, Sicily, Argentia, Newfoundland, Reykjavik, Iceland and Straits of Gibraltar, Algiers» on the back. His name on the top and his address on the bottom. Twelve female first names on one side and two personal engravings including «One And Only Eleonor» with a heart on the other side. Another special and rare detail is the insert of this Zippo, which is also engraved with names on both sides and has a handmade base with a screw to reduce the fuel evaporation.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 1

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 2

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 3

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 4

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 5

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 6

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 7

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 8

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 9

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Saturn» – Edmund R. Ondracek, Modell three barrel hinge, round bottom, Jahr 1943 - 45, Ansicht 10

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. MC Calla» – engraved by Zippo

A very interesting version of a wartime Zippo, as this tells a story from a time when the United States was already supporting Allied forces in Europe without being involved itself in 1940. The first U.S.S. MC Calla (DD-253) was commissioned in 1919 and was in service for the United States Navy as a destroyer until 1940. Then the ship was transferred to the British Royal Navy, which used the boat as the second HMS Stanley (I73) in the long-range escort role. Until her loss on 19 December 1941 due to torpedoing by the U 574, HMS Stanley succeeded in sinking two German U-boats.

Worn Zippo with diagonal lines and original manufacturing engraving of the ships name «U.S.S. MC Calla», the ship number «253», the add-on «TO R.N» and the year «1940» on one side and the monogram «FB» on the other side.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1940
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. MC Calla» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1940, Rückseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. MC Calla» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1940, Vorderseite

U.S. Navy «Christmas 1942» – engraved by Zippo

In July 1941 the United States occupies Iceland, taking over its defense from Great Britain and attempting to thwart a potential invasion by Nazi Germany. In May 1942 the U.S. Navy established a Naval Operating Base (N.O.B).

Black crackle Zippo with U.S. Navy insignia on the front and original factory engraving «N.O.B. Iceland Christmas 1942» on the back.

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1942 - 43
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «Christmas 1942» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 1

U.S. Navy «Christmas 1942» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1942 - 43, Ansicht 2

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo

The U.S.S. Oklahoma was on Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. That was the morning the Japanese Empire attacked the United States by surprise. The Japanese used dive-bombers, fighter-bombers, and torpedo planes to sink nine ships, including five battleships, and severely damage twenty-one ships. There were 2,402 US deaths from the attack. Of those deaths, 1,177 were from the U.S.S. Arizona, and 429 were from the U.S.S. Oklahoma. The crew of the U.S.S. Oklahoma did everything they could to fight back. In the first ten minutes of the battle eight torpedoes hit the Oklahoma and it began to sink. A ninth torpedo hit the battleship as it sank in the mud. On 28 December 1943, Oklahoma was towed into drydock No. 2, at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard but because of her age and heavy damages the USS Oklahoma was decommissioned on 1 September 1944.

Mint black crackle Zippo with original factory engraving of the ships name «U.S.S. Oklahoma» and the date «12–28–43».

Model:
four barrel hinge, flat bottom
Year:
1943
Status:
in collection

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Vorderseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Rückseite

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Ansicht 3

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Ansicht 4

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Ansicht 5

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Ansicht 6

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Oklahoma» – engraved by Zippo, Modell four barrel hinge, flat bottom, Jahr 1943, Ansicht 7

U.S. Navy «U.S.S. Tomahawk» – engraved by Zippo

Commissioned in April 1944, the U.S.S. Tomahawk (AO-88) was an Escambia‑class fleet oiler responsible for refueling combat and support ships across the Pacific—a vital but hazardous mission. During her wartime service through 1946, she earned six battle stars for supporting operations from the Marianas to the Western Carolines and beyond. At Christmas 1944, Tomahawk remained anchored at Ulithi Atoll, a principal forward fleet anchorage from which she continued her fueling support into the new year

Black crackle Zippo with U.S. Navy insignia on the front and original factory engraving «U.S.S. Tomahawk Christmas 1944» on the back.

Model:
three barrel hinge, round bottom
Year:
1943 - 45
Status:
in collection