Vietnam War Zippo -

ORIGINAL VINTAGE

1937-1950 VIETNAM ZIPPO.

Condition is Used.

Front of Zippo is engraved with -

U.S.ARMY

1964 - 65

VIET NAM

Under there is stamped -

Join the

Swing to

WUSN

———

The Back of the lighter is stamped -

SP4 R.JONES

TAMPA, FLORIDA

And then -

U.S

ARMED

FORCES RADIO

SAIGON

———

This is an original engraved Vietnam Zippo lighter from 1937-1950 : 1960’s - 1975 Vietnam war era.

It could be listed as Korean War conflict or even ww2?

Its a 1937-1950 lighter maybe the soldier died and it was re used? Older than the beginning of the Vietnam war. It’s a 1937-1950 lighter.

Engraved 1964-65?

Most likely a career soldier, there as U.N. security after ww2 or Korean War and so brought it with him from the earlier conflicts and later it became popular to engrave the lighters in Vietnam, so the lighter was engraved at that time? Many special opps went there at the beginning of the war early 1960’s. Or was someone there all the way from before ww2, as radio Saigon was from 1930s, overthrown by the Japanese and then re started during ww2.

• Radio Saigon - In 1930 Saigon Radio began broadcasting French language news and entertainment programmes. Radio at the Army Social Service and was in charge of broadcasts intended to "support the morale of the troops" on Radio-France-Asie in Saigon.

Japanese forces took over in 1944.

Then again under French control from December 1945 until 1949, the date of the agreements between France and Vietnam.

• The jewel of the voice of France with its broadcasts in French, English, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese, Radio France Asie covered the whole of the Far East, part of Oceania, India, and even the countries of Northern Europe. It was one of the most powerful stations installed in the world. One hundred and forty people worked at Radio France Asie, half of whom were Vietnamese.

• SP4 is an abbreviation for the U.S. Army rank of specialist fourth grade, or specialist 4

• Swing is the reference to the Swing music. A style of jazz that developed in the United States during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It became nationally popular from the mid-1930s

My guess would be after WW2 USA had many bases all over the world and so the soldiers were there under the French as they tried to re establish their French colony?

“Big plans have been laid out, which would make Radio Saigon in Asia what Radio Brazzaville is in Africa. It is necessary, at a time when the big allied powers are making an intense effort at propaganda in the Pacific, for the voice of France to be heard on a par with those of America, England, China, and Russia. Radio Saigon will be for Indochina what the B.B.C. was for France during the occupation.”

http://saigon-vietnam.fr/radio-saigon_en.php

This rare, original vintage Vietnam Zippo lighter from 1937-1950 (engraved in Vietnam 1964-1965) is a unique piece of militaria history. The used but mint condition make it a highly sought-after collector's item.

The lighter has not been modified and is in its original state. It has the typical wear and tear expected for a vintage item of its age, but this only adds to its authenticity and charm. This Zippo is a fascinating piece of personal field gear and a true representation of the era. Don't miss your chance to own this piece of history.

As the product is an old item, there are scratches and stains from age. Please see the picture for the details or ask me before your purchase.

I can send the lighter with the original insert inside Australia but international post the original insert has to be disassembled and it sometimes is still returned as they deem it as dangerous as it has been used so

For safety reasons and shipping rules, I will ship with the oil removed and disassemble the lighter. (case, inside unit, spring and flint) It’s better anyways as it’s original.

You will need to re-assemble by yourself. It’s easy - if you’re not sure please ask me how.

Overall a very rare and collectible original Vietnam zippo with lots of historical and social significance.

Any questions feel free to message me

Please check out my other items. The postage on these items is all tracking and signature at your side when delivered. That’s to make sure it’s delivered. If you want cheaper postage I can also do that but only for domestic - exact per weight, size, destination and approximate time allowed for delivery (International no longer has sea Mail)

Just let me know or it’s tracking with signature. Either way is ok but if you want cheaper postage it may take a little longer as communication back and forth time is also longer.... can also combine items.