Vietnam Zippo Tay Ninh: 1967 - 1968 United States Army Special Forces (VERY RARE).
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:44412923 | Original Vietnam Zippo: Yes |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States | Art Depicted: Free The Oppressed |
| Theme: Military | Modified Item: No |
| Brand: Zippo |
Intro: This is an individual listing from a set I currently have listed. If you would like to view the set listing, you can find that on my page of active listings.
A little backstory on this set. My uncle is a Vietnam veteran. He served 67-68. Many years ago I remember my uncle lighting a cigarette with with an old, rugged looking lighter. I recognized the happy character displayed across the front almost immediately - “Mickey Mouse!” I, of course, asked him if I... could hold it. He flipped the lid down (I still remember the lovely sound it made) and looked at me apprehensively. He sat there for a moment, lighter in his big heavy palm, and then reached out and placed it into my outstretched hand. It was Mickey Mouse! But then… what did that say above his head? “F**K IT!” I couldn’t believe it. There was good old Mickey - innocent as can be - right alongside that “forbidden word.” I don’t know what my face looked like at the moment, but I remember his deep, hearty laugh, followed by “don’t tell your mother.” From this moment on, the Vietnam Zippo became a passion of mine. As I grew older, I more understood the complexities surrounding their often simple, some might say “crude” depictions - and the phrases accompanying those depictions. To myself, these aren’t lighters… this set takes you into the hearts and minds of the young men who served in a war-torn land far away from their own, who lived and died to protect the name of Freedom. This set depicts hopes and dreams, heavenly escapes, and comedic reprieves. Some of the pieces in this set belong to my uncle (he kept his favorites). Others, I have amassed myself, often from the very men who served alongside my uncle. This set, obviously, is close to my heart. However, the stories behind each and every one of these authentic Vietnam Zippos will remain long after the lighters have moved on.
Tay Ninh: 1967-1968 United States Army Special Forces Zippo (VERY RARE)This authentic Vietnam Zippo features a top front inscribed "Viet Nam, " underneath which is inscribed "Tay Ninh: 67-68." The front body of the lighter features the United States Army Special forces "De oppresso liber" or "Free the oppressed" motto. The motto is within the United States Special Forces symbol of a sword crossed by two arrows encompassed in a banner. The back top of the lighter is unmarked, while the back body is inscribed "I LOVE VIETNAM FOR TODAY TOMORROW AND FOREVER." The lighter is heavily, but STUNNINGLY tarnished, with silver plating of the cover giving way to the brass metal casing. The surface of the casing is weathered from touch of human hand, taking on an almost smooth "dipped and valleyed" shape - an uneven surface. Small denting, scratches. etc throughout. The bottom of the lighter (Zippo stamp) is uneven, but it still stands up. The side of the lighter featuring the hinge shows pressure points created during manufacturing process above and below the hinge itself. The closure is very solid, a little overlap at the front side, but minimal. Still "clicks" shut. The bottom of the lighter bears manufacturer Zippo print - not carved - dated 1967 (llll Zippo lll) - "Bradford" upper left, "PA" upper right. Copyright "R" under date code. Patent 2517191. The inner casing is tarnished, stained. There is NO significant structural/functional damage to the lighter - but the signs of aesthetic wear are obviously notable.
