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
Zippo lighter from the early 1950s, featuring a distinctive 5-barrel hinge design & bearing the patent number 2517191. It exhibits signs of age and use, with a patina & 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 & helps determine the piece accurately. Such Zippo lighters are valued for their historical significance, craftsmanship, & the unique design elements that distinguish them from later models. The condition of the lighter, w/ the presence of the original hinge & overall integrity of the metal, does 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 an early production characteristic's