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TITLE
Vintage 1953-54 Zippo Lighter - 83rd AAA Nike Missile - Engraved Lt. D.B.MUSEUM-GRADE COLD WAR ARTIFACT: TRANSITIONAL 1953-1954 ZIPPO LIGHTER
PROVENANCE: LT. D.B. CROFT - 83rd AAA BATTALION (PROJECT NIKE AJAX)
ITEM OVERVIEW
* Type: Museum-grade Cold War military artifact.
* Era: Late Korean War to early Cold War window.
* Production Date: 1953–1954 transitional run.
* Provenance: Engraved to Lieutenant D.B. Croft.
* Unit Crest: Factory enameled 83rd AAA Battalion.
RARE ZIPPO MANUFACTURE DETAILS
* The Base Stamp: Features the newly introduced cursive script Zippo logo.
* The Patents: Uniquely retains the older \"PAT. 2517191\" and \"PAT. PENDING\" text together.
* Hinge Design: Tight, original 5-barrel hinge configuration.
* The Chimney: Correct, authentic 16-hole windproof chimney.
* The Insert: 100% original, period-correct matching numbers factory insert.
* Value Factor: The inner mechanical elements perfectly match the outer case. It is completely unaltered after 70 years.
MILITARY HISTORY & PROVENANCE
* Front Emblem: Beautifully detailed enameled unit crest of the 83rd Antiaircraft Artillery.
* Motto Ribbon: Reads clearly \"PUGNAMUS AD FINEM\" (We Fight to the End).
* Reverse Side: Deeply hand-engraved with the officer\'s name, Lieutenant D.B. Croft.
* The Mission: The 83rd AAA was a premier unit protecting the US from Soviet strategic bomber threats.
* Top Secret Transition: In 1954, this exact unit was chosen to transition into Project Nike Ajax.
* Significance: Nike Ajax was the world\'s very first operational surface-to-air guided missile system.
* Historic Relic: This lighter directly bridges the shift from old conventional artillery to advanced guided missile warfare.
CONDITION & AS-IS DISCLAIMER
* Condition: Exceptional, honest vintage field patina.
* Wear: Minor surface plating wear and interior carbon consistent with officer use.
* Function: Hinge and spring mechanisms remain structurally sound.
* Disclaimer: Sold strictly AS IS in its original, uncleaned, and unrestored condition.
* Preservation: Left exactly as found to protect its invaluable historical patina for collectors or museum display.
* Shipping: Will be packaged securely with full tracking and insurance.
