$11k for Old Zippo (Cigarette Lighter)

A Vintage Zippo Cigarette Lighter recently sold on eBay for $11,758. In spite of having a traditional Zippo design (Square, silver, and with an opening top) something unique had caught the eye of bidders.

The opening bid started at $10 on January 6th 2009. Seven days later the lighter had received 42 bids from the 19 bidders who participated in the frenzy.

According to James Massey, publisher of WhatSellsBest.com, a free website which tracks top selling eBay items. “Even in our current economy, it appears some collectible lighters are still in high demand. More than 40 (lighters) have fetched final (eBay selling) prices between $1,000 to $5,000 in the last 90 days.”

Besides the rare Zippo models, Dunhill lighters also appear to be favorites among collectors. Particularly the Dunhill Aquarium lighters which were made in the early 1950’s. Several had recently received final eBay selling prices in the $3,000 to $5,000 range.