Vintage 1959 Zippo Lighter USS Waldo County LST 1163 Complete Flame Box Set
Item Description
Up for sale is a remarkably scarce, investment-grade 1959 vintage Zippo windproof military lighter package commemorating the U.S.S. Waldo County (LST-1163). This offering features the complete, original late-1950s factory presentation suite, including the iconic "Flame" graphic box lid and original paper ephemera.
What’s Included:
- 1959 Zippo Lighter: 3-dot bottom stamp configuration featuring the factory-etched U.S.S. Waldo County LST 1163 tank landing ship design.
- Original "Flame" Slide Box Lid & Gold Base: The classic vintage white outer box sleeve with the striking red Zippo flame drop graphic.
- Original Paper Guarantee Insert: The complete, authentic red-and-white “Please... Our Guarantee is Unusual” instruction sheet from the Bradford, PA factory.
Condition Report:
- Packaging & Paperwork: Excellent vintage condition. The outer "Flame" box lid is crisp and structurally sound, showing only very minor edge wear and light age toning. The paper guarantee instruction sheet remains remarkably flat, bright, and free of heavy oil stains or major tears.
- Lighter Exterior & Personalization: Fair to Good vintage condition. This piece was carried by a sailor and heavily personalized. The name "RABITT" is hand-engraved into the front lid face, and the reverse side features hand-scratched engravings reading "RABBIT and Mary Ann". The chrome finish shows moderate pocket wear and superficial surface scuffs.
- Mechanics & Hinge: The lighter interior retains its historical soot buildup in the chimney from real naval deployment. The hinge shows a unique vintage field-repair using a wire/copper pin insert rather than a factory-original pin, giving the piece immense historical character.
Please inspect the high-resolution photos carefully to evaluate the complete vintage package and personalization details before bidding.
selling as pictured.
more than welcome to pick up at shop in butler pa & save shipping.
052626 gp