Authentic Vietnam Zippo Saigon 1968-1969 USN (US NAVY) Anchor and Rope

Description

Intro:
This is an individual listing from a set I currently have listed. If you would like to view the set listing, you can find that on my page of active listings.
A little backstory on this set. My uncle is a Vietnam veteran. He served 67-68. Many years ago I remember my uncle lighting a cigarette with with an old, rugged looking lighter. I recognized the happy character displayed across the front almost immediately - “Mickey Mouse!” I, of course, asked him if I could hold it. He flipped the lid down (I still remember the lovely sound it made) and looked at me apprehensively. He sat there for a moment, lighter in his big heavy palm, and then reached out and placed it into my outstretched hand. It was Mickey Mouse! But then… what did that say above his head? “F**K IT!” I couldn’t believe it. There was good old Mickey - innocent as can be - right alongside that “forbidden word.” I don’t know what my face looked like at the moment, but I remember his deep, hearty laugh, followed by “don’t tell your mother.” From this moment on, the Vietnam Zippo became a passion of mine. As I grew older, I more understood the complexities surrounding their often simple, some might say “crude” depictions - and the phrases accompanying those depictions. To myself, these aren’t lighters… this set takes you into the hearts and minds of the young men who served in a war-torn land far away from their own, who lived and died to protect the name of Freedom. This set depicts hopes and dreams, heavenly escapes, and comedic reprieves. Some of the pieces in this set belong to my uncle (he kept his favorites). Others, I have amassed myself, often from the very men who served alongside my uncle. This set, obviously, is close to my heart. However, the stories behind each and every one of these authentic Vietnam Zippos will remain long after the lighters have moved on.
Saigon: 1968-1969 USN (US NAVY) Anchor and Rope Zippo
This authentic Vietnam Zippo features a top front inscribed "Viet Nam," underneath which is inscribed "Saigon: 68-69." The front body of the lighter features a stunning thick bodied engraving of an anchor, with the crudely etched letters "USN" for US Navy across the top of the anchor. At the top of the anchor there is a rope that wraps down the anchor, through the USN insignia, and down and around the bottom.  The back top of the lighter is unmarked, while the back body is inscribed "PLEASE! DON'T TELL ME ABOUT VIETNAM BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE." The lighter is heavily tarnished, with silver plating of the cover giving way to the brass metal casing mainly at the top left of the Zippo, and at the back left side half. The etching itself is mainly intact, but parts of letters have worn away some. The side of the lighter featuring the hinge shows pressure points created during manufacturing process above and below the hinge itself. There is substantial tarnish just above and right below the hinge but it does not have an effect on its function. There is some give to the top (it will move back and forth some if you apply pressure firmly) but the close is solid. Still "clicks" shut. There is a small gap when completely closed - so the close is not entirely seamless. This gap is near the back of the closure (near the hinge) and smooths out to a tight seal as you make your way to the front of the lighter. Very minimal, but there. The bottom of the lighter bears manufacturer Zippo print -
not carved
- dated 1968 (lll Zippo lll) - "Bradford" upper left, "PA" upper right. Copyright "R" under date code. The inner casing is tarnished, stained. There is NO structural/functional damage to the lighter - but the signs of aesthetic wear are obviously notable.