Cleaning & Maintaining Your BrassZippo lighters, or any other things

This post is a response to blog user- dresspark as well as for everyone. It'll lay out the method i personally find best in keeping the surfaces of brass Zippo lighters & any brass objects from deterioration.
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Brass is a copper and Zinc alloy. It is an oxidative material that produces surface tarnishes called patina, when exposed to moisture or the elements. As patina accumulates, brass surfaces discolors into an unsightly greenish/brownish appearance.

As a matter of fact, Zippo lighters casings are mostly made of brass except for some models being precious metals or copper etc.
Chromed models have their raw brass casings dipped into electromagnetic solutions during the chroming process. Solid brass models, use pretty much the same casings but coated with a protective substance before boxing. Thus their lasting shine.

An annoying find with some brand new casings however. Taking a look inside after removing the  insert, some may have a brown-reddish discoloration down the bottom.  Perhaps after dipping the casings into the chroming solutions during manufacturing, not all solutions are dried complete. Rusts therefore could have formed.

Yet that thankfully doesn't affect the lighter's presentation. Solid brass casings will nonetheless turn dull no matter what, becoming unattractive in apperance. Hence i'll present a preferred method of keeping these 'High Polished Brass' surfaces shiny

Requisites

-Your Brass lighter or any unpolished  objects. 

- Brasso Metal polish (Because it doesn't wear-out surfaces)

- A soft towel/rag or polishing cloth

(Zippo's care manual suggests using Scotch-Brite pads on brushed brass surfaces. Which I dare not)

Shake the container to mix the solution well. Apply some Brasso liquid onto your cloth, then rub in circular motions.

Tarnishes are quickly removed, returning your artifects back to its glory

What about displaying/storing your Brass Zippo longer in it's renewed look? 

Here each collectible lighter is slipped into a polythene sleeve, which is folded and taped at it's opening. This'll greatly minimize exposure to moisture & all the worrying elements!

Last but not least. . . Peal off every orange seals & be sure to remove the flint from your lighter if you decide not to use it for a while, or EVER!

Hope these tips help a little. Keep a mirrored shine always!

Zippo Niagara Falls Canada- Final Production Run.

In August 1949, Zippo mfg opened a manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Canada. This was the only other place which made Zippo lighters away from home in Bradford Pennsylvania USA, as import taxes into Canada were high; hence manufacturing locally to lower costs.

The facility assembled lighters parts, performed surface finishes, packaging & lifetime warranty's servicing.

Until 2002 as import taxes were no longer costly like before, it became less economical to produce in Canada, therefore Zippo mfg decided the Canadian facility closed during July 2002. Day before closing which believes to be 31 July 2002, a final production run rolled out a limited-edition of 25000 lighters branding the Canadian bottom stamps for the last-time.

This item is the 24218th among 25000 manufactured before the closing. 

Plated in silver to enhance collecting value. This final series commemorates their last by etching the year of the facility's establishment till end. Not to exclude the iconic Maple leaf symbol of Canada. 

Each in complete packaging includes a slip, telling briefly about the plant. 

How the place used to look. 

July 2002, the Niagara Falls bottom stamp was pressed for the last time. 

From then, Zippo mfg moved their manufacturing back home in Bradford while importing American made lighters back into Canada. More profitable to make & export lighters from just 1 place, as long tariffs ain't over the roof again. . .  

Seasons Greetings from Zippy19.

Once again, Zippy19 will like to wish everyone a 

Merry Christmas & a good 2014 ahead!!