{"product_id":"1985-zippo-contempo-butane-lighter-test-sample","title":"1985 Zippo Contempo Butane Lighter Test Sample","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1985 Zippo Contempo Butane Lighter — Pre-Production Test Sample\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare opportunity for the serious Zippo collector: a pre-production test sample of the iconic Contempo Butane lighter, model no. 716 Tortoise Standard, circa 1985. What sets this piece apart is immediately apparent — the initial panel is positioned on the \u003cstrong\u003etop\u003c\/strong\u003e of the lighter, a telltale marker of the test sample configuration. Production models moved the panel to the bottom, making this variant a genuine artifact of Zippo's development process. There are no production markings inside the lid (see photo).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Contempo holds a singular distinction in the Zippo catalog: it is the \u003cstrong\u003eonly Zippo lighter stamped \"Japan\" on the bottom\u003c\/strong\u003e. Parts were manufactured in Japan, with final assembly completed in the USA — a brief but fascinating chapter in the brand's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example presents in \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent used condition\u003c\/strong\u003e and comes complete with an \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal box and instruction booklet\u003c\/strong\u003e. The lighter has been tested and functions perfectly, though it is offered strictly as a \u003cstrong\u003edisplay piece\u003c\/strong\u003e; the flint and butane have been removed for safe storage and shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA true conversation piece for any lighter collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Riley's 66","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58350764556591,"sku":null,"price":199.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1438\/0742\/files\/905266FE-A8C5-40F6-ADD5-EA3E12BB1BE9.png?v=1787150453","url":"https:\/\/rileys66.com\/products\/1985-zippo-contempo-butane-lighter-test-sample","provider":"Riley's 66","version":"1.0","type":"link"}