This page contains galleries as well as the information I got on different types of Zippo lookalikes.
Some are made without concern for copyright, others may have found legal ways to get around it.
Several of these brands most likely started out as makers of Zippo clones.
By clones I mean lookalikes without a fake logo.
They have no bottom stamp or maker identificationl. Not even country of manufacture.
However they have the exact size and construction of an original Zippo.
The inserts are identical, with the same patented air holes, fully interchangeable and fits snuggly into a Zippo.
Often no markings, or some Chinese "pleasantry" and what appears to be a model number..
Some may have become legal producers, as they are widely available in all sort of designs, often in thematic sets, and are now presented with a company logo pressings to the bottom, as well as patent numbers.
However even with recent production they feel light and flimsy compaired to a genuine Zippo.
Jiantai
This is an early brand not seen that often anymore.
Some time ago I came across a batch of old shop display stands of what must be an early plane type in a wide range of colours.
They have no bottom stamp or maker identification beside the logo on the display and an optional small user manual behind each lighter.
The inserts read " IT IS GREAT PLEASURE TO PRESENT OIL LIGHTER 33434". And they even managed to include the Zippo flame in their logo.
The inserts are made in a separate factory, and on later Star branded lighters it is common to find "patent #33434".
Other unmarked and now rarely seen brands
Very similar to the early unmarked Jiantai, some unmarked, others with brand names like Jinni, FH flame, B-C-SIR and Hatchet.
Not only do they all have the same type insert, but judging by design they look closely connected.
Ironically some of these short lived brands are getting rare to find and some see asking prices equal to Zippo.
A series of unbranded Zippo lookalikes from Camel
These were attached to duty-free cigarette cartons sometime in the mid-90's
Not on the shelves for very long and not many to be seen for sale. If found they are either poor condition or at "silly prices".
I got these from the distributor, in original boxes, still with the wrapper and tape as they never were glued on to the cartons.
Mass produced unmarked.
These have the more square look of the vintage Zippo.
Epoxy laminated decor, which means the basic lighter is mass produced with the decor siply glued on.
Picked up for pocket change with the idea that the decor would go well in my gas service station mock-up.
Star
Star seems to have more or less taken over the whole Chinese market of oil lighters.
They are brand marked on the base as well as on the inserts and even sold in the US.
Some examples. Don't bother to ask about the selection choice...
They have printed and not glued on decor, and all are double sided.
Even if they are licensed to produce the lighters I doubt they pay any royalty to neither Rizla nor Playboy, or any other brand graphic that is found.
There are different types of inserts as seen below. And for some reason Star Lighters are marketed in rebranded packaging in the UK as "Bomb Lighters".
For a periode of time they were also sold in cases that can hardly be called coincidental.
Is it lack of creativity, or too much of it? These are from 2010.
