Because a Zippo
lighter was considered fashionably chic years ago, and something that everyone
needed on occasion, we gave them as complimentary gifts to loyal customers of
Stewart Webster Gas Company in Richland. Our silver lighters were engraved with
the company name, advertising the fact that we handled butane, propane and
bottled gas, and for unexplained reasons, listed my daddy as manager instead of
owner of the petroleum company.
My mother, well known for her artistic ability, designed a prototype that
displayed the same blue flame emblem that identified our equipment, rental
propane tanks and service and delivery vehicles. When the intricate drawing
of the flame caused difficulties with the engraving, the design was simplified
to just pertinent company information.
My parents chose the Zippo model not because it was affordable, it was actually
a relatively expensive product, but because of the incredible warranty offered
by the manufacturer. As is still the practice at Zippo, any windproof signature
lighter will be reconditioned for free, anytime, as long as it can be identified
as their product; ship it to Pennsylvania, and it will be returned in impeccable
condition. The finish is not guaranteed but the workings of the lighter are
warranted for a lifetime, and the trademark Zippo is stamped into the bottom of
each unit.
The brushed stainless steel models were encased in tiny gold boxes lined with
black velvet, and because they were valuable, stored in the company safe. My
vintage lighter needs repairing, so as soon as I complete this story I'm
shipping it to Bradford, PA for a complete realignment. Hopefully it will be
returned, as is customary, with new flint, a container of complimentary lighter
fluid, and in pristine condition.
