The lighters were inscribed with personal messages and artwork that spanned the vast range of sentiments from fear and regret to hatred and humor. In popular culture, the “clink” of the Zippo as its top is flipped open has become as iconic in Hollywood as its design and original function.Īlthough popular in the Second World War, it wasn’t until the Vietnam conflict that engraving Zippos became widespread and popular. It has played a large role in nearly every large war since its inception - warming bodies, lighting cigarettes, starting fires, and even acting as mementos, much in the same way dog tags were collected upon soldiers’ deaths in remembrance of their lives. Advantageous because of its ability to stay lit in inclement weather, its ‘windproof’ reputation garnered it instant success and popularity within the ranks of the military. Covatta reminds us, “You can find a no-name piece that’s super cool and cheaper and works for you instead of something with lofty prominence or a historically hot name.”Īnd with the resale market growing in popularity, whether your style is rounded art deco, Danish modern, or curvy contemporary, there are shops across the Philly area to inspire even the new-to-vintage shopper.The classic metal, flip-top Zippo lighter was first manufactured in 1933 by the Zippo Manufacturing Company of Bradford, Pennsylvania. Your needs and lifestyle should dictate what you buy, not trends or designers. Will it fit? Will you be moving soon and can you take it with you? For expensive items, there may be a resale value that means you aren’t married to the piece. If you don’t know brutalism from Victoriana, don’t panic: Just know your own tastes and see what works for your space. If you are new to buying vintage, you don’t need to do any serious research before heading out. It’s a question of affordability,” Covatta says. The ‘80s and ‘90′s ‘contemporary’ style…, a lot of that is affordable now, and you see designers utilizing that now. “Generations of designers, artists, filmmakers, they all went with what they can afford. Now that mid-century is at its peak, pricewise, new styles are becoming more popular. It was cheap and you could decorate for next to zero money,” says Chris Covatta, who owns the online shop VintaDelphia. Why is mid-century still so popular? “The popularity began probably in the early 2000s. Mid-century furniture and housewares may be some of the most popular, but there are plenty of other vintage styles available at a deal. Whether you’re looking for a rare conversation piece or trying to find an affordable nightstand that matches an eclectic room, there is something for every taste. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the names of major designers or the prominent styles of certain eras, vintage furniture can add something joy-inspiring to any home.

Retrospect vintage store