Vintage 1956 Zippo CIB Detroit Ball Bearing DBB 1957 Anniversary UNFIRED Insert For Sale
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📝 Item DescriptionTitle: Vintage 1956 Zippo Lighter – Detroit Ball Bearing Co. (DBB) 40th Anniversary (1917–1957) – Complete in Box (CIB) with Mint Unfired Patent InsertCollector\'s Historical Note (The 1956/1957 Alignment): While this lighter explicitly commemorates the Detroit Ball Bearing Co. 40th Anniversary (1917–1957), the bottom stamp definitively dates the outer casing to late 1956. This is a well-documented occurrence with vintage corporate Zippos; large promotional runs for major milestones starting in early 1957 were manufactured and shipped by Zippo in the final months of 1956.Item Details & Authentication Verification: Up for sale is a 100% period-correct, authentic 1956 Zippo corporate advertising lighter commemorating the historic Detroit Ball Bearing Co. This is a true \"Complete in Box\" (CIB) set, featuring the original 1950s red-and-white candy stripe box and the original paper guarantee instruction booklet.
Outer Case (Late 1956): Bottom stamp features the authentic 7-dot configuration (3 dots left, 4 dots right) with PAT 2517191 and PAT PEND stamped side-by-side. Non-magnetic chrome-over-brass construction with a tight, original 5-hub hinge. The inside top lid features a factory-stamped/engraved \"45\" mark.
Insert (1956): Pristine, completely UNFIRED and unsparked. Correct magnetic steel construction, hollow flint-wheel rivet, and matching 2517191 patent text.
Box & Paperwork: Original red-and-white pinstripe cardboard box in very good condition with tight edges and vibrant graphics. Includes the original vintage Zippo guarantee/instruction slip.
Condition Report:
Insert/Box/Paperwork: Mint, unsparked insert condition. The box is structurally sound, clean, and has very minimal shelf wear.
Exterior Case: Shows honest vintage wear and pocket character. Features light surface scuffs throughout, two small dings along the hinge spine, and expected pocket wear where the chrome plating has gently worn down to expose the underlying warm brass (please review high-resolution photos for exact details).
