1950s Zippo 5-Barrel Hinge Pat 2517191 Matching insert desired collectable

FROM ZIPPO I GUIDE - 1950s Zippo 5-Barrel Hinge Pat 2517191 ESTIMATED VALUE $180.00 - $250.00 1950s Zippo 5-Barrel Hinge Pat 2517191 Matching insert desired collectable This item is a vintage Zippo lighter from the early 1950s, featuring a distinctive 5-barrel hinge design and bearing the patent number 2517191. The lighter exhibits signs of age and use, with a patina and some surface wear consistent with its age. The 5-barrel hinge is a notable feature, indicating a specific manufacturing variation that is of interest to collectors. The patent number confirms its period of production and helps in dating the piece accurately. Such Zippo lighters are valued for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and the unique design elements that distinguish them from later models. The condition of the lighter, including the presence of the original hinge and the overall integrity of the metal, will influence its collectible value. This particular model is sought after by collectors specializing in mid-20th-century Zippo lighters, especially those with patent-specific features and early production characteristics.