Zippo Korea – 1970's

Following the Korean War Armistice Agreement of 27 July 1953, which ended active hostilities but not the state of war, the United States maintained a substantial military presence in South Korea to deter renewed aggression from North Korea. During the 1970s, approximately 40'000 U.S. military personnel were stationed along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and at bases throughout the country, principally under the command of the Eighth U.S. Army and the 2nd Infantry Division. Although no longer engaged in active combat, American forces remained on constant alert throughout the Cold War, conducting patrols, military exercises, and maintaining the defense of the Korean Peninsula amid continuing tensions between North and South Korea.

Chrome-plated Zippo lighter, manufactured in 1973, hand engraved with a map of Korea and the inscription «Korea 74–75» on the front, depicting the DMZ and the major cities Seoul, Inchon, Taegu, Pusan, and Tongduchon. The reverse is hand engraved with the inscription «Cannabis Sativa» above a stylized cannabis leaf motif, reflecting a personalized period design likely commissioned during the owner's tour of duty.