The Zippo brand lighter was invented by George G. Blaisdell in 1932. Blaisdell was inspired to create the lighter after seeing a friend struggling to use a cumbersome and unreliable Austrian lighter. Blaisdell set out to create a lighter that was easy to use and reliable, and the result was the Zippo lighter.

The Zippo lighter was an immediate success and quickly gained a reputation for its reliability and durability. The signature design of the Zippo lighter, with its hinged lid and rectangular shape, has remained largely unchanged since its inception.

During World War II, the Zippo lighter became a popular item among American soldiers, who valued its durability and reliability in the field. The company even produced special versions of the Zippo lighter for use by the military, including a model with a built-in compass.

In the decades since its invention, the Zippo lighter has become an iconic American brand and a symbol of reliability and durability. Today, the company continues to produce high-quality lighters and is known for its lifetime guarantee, which promises to repair or replace any Zippo lighter that fails to work.