Search for 'Vietnam Zippo' in Google Image, you might scroll through pictures of genuine Vietnam War Zippo lighters or knockoffs of such. Might have an assumption that all Zippo lighters sold in Vietnam which resembles the country are only these.
No longer such case in recent times.
Back from from Ho Chi Minh city lately, cradling back home a genuine Zippo which beautifully resembles Vietnam & is one of a few contemporary designs barely noticed by the tourists eyes.
Designed on a high polished chrome, machine etched & paint-filled to form the map, red star & country's name. At the back, etched with tight grid patterns to improve grip & minimize scratch visibility.
Made in December 2012, whereas the insert from November 2012.
Some sharing of it's origin inside Ho Chi Minh city, where post-war Zippo once proliferated the streets stalls.
Ho Chi Minh City is scaling in it's economy, while international brands such as Zippo paves in. A handful of official Zippo Retails such as this are scattered around the city, selling lighters from sales cataloq
Prices are most likely fixed.
Counterfeits can still be found in many souvenir shops & among street peddlers.
Souvenir booth in Cu Chi Tunnel attraction, selling a variety for fixed prices.
Street peddler such as this, may afford selling genuine Zippo in small quantity while counterfeits & different lighters are in a larger glass case. Prices for a genuine may remain higher than others despite bargaining.
This lighter was acquired from a kiosk located at the foot of a staircase, situated in 112 Le Loi Boulevard district 1. (Refer to shop sign)
Genuine Zippo are on display inside the glass case.
Counterfeit & various lighter/smoking products are arranged on the glass counter, whereas some items hung down a pillar.
This kiosk was tended by an old lady, who's beyond willing to offer a good bargain when politely requested.
Using a few English words & mostly hand gestures with tourists, she would often quote her genuine Zippo as 'Origin' and lending a calculator to negotiate prices. She was thoughtful to offer counterfeits to suit a budget, reason being Zippo lighters are considered higher-end luxuries not all could afford.
After coming to a deal, the lady did a great gesture polishing grime & dirt off the lighter which i'm buying. A clean plastic sleeve was provided too.
As i started taking pictures, she invited me to photograph more display cases down the stairs landing.
More expensive Zippo models such as Zippo blu, Armor, Japanese Models, limited editions, & some mint in box vintages are kept inside.
Few more jokes were cracked, before i parted.
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