Every authentic Zippo lighter bears a small but meaningful engraving on its bottom: “BRADFORD.PA. MADE IN U.S.A.”
Except for certain commemorative or vintage editions, this mark has appeared on nearly every Zippo ever produced.
The Heart of Zippo – Bradford, Pennsylvania
“BRADFORD.PA.” refers to Bradford, Pennsylvania, the small American town where every Zippo lighter has been made since the company’s founding.
While many U.S. manufacturers have moved production overseas in search of lower costs, Zippo has remained steadfast — keeping its roots, its workers, and its craftsmanship right where it began.
A Company Deeply Rooted in Its Community
Zippo’s founder and the Blaisdell family, who still oversee the company, have long supported their hometown — contributing to schools, universities, and civic projects. When the five hundred millionth Zippo lighter was produced, Bradford’s residents and Zippo employees celebrated together, a moment that made national news.
The Bottom Stamp – A Mark of Authenticity
The engraved mark on the bottom of every Zippo, known as the bottom stamp, serves as proof of authenticity. It includes the Zippo logo, “BRADFORD.PA. MADE IN U.S.A.”, and the date code that identifies when the lighter was made.
However, in recent years, imitation lighters from certain regions have begun to replicate even these stamps. While some fakes may appear convincing, careful collectors can often distinguish subtle differences in engraving depth, font, or alignment.
Zippo and its global partners continue to share information on counterfeit awareness through their official websites and collector communities, helping fans identify authentic pieces.
The Collector’s Detail
Over the decades, Zippo’s bottom stamp has evolved — small changes in logo style, lettering, and date marks reflect the brand’s history. For collectors, these subtle differences are part of the fun — each lighter’s base tells a story of its time.
The home of a legend
The inscription “BRADFORD.PA. MADE IN U.S.A.” is more than a manufacturing mark — it represents Zippo’s unwavering American spirit, its loyalty to craftsmanship, and its bond with a small Pennsylvania town that became the home of a legend.
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