It became the Air Force Systems Command. ARDC developed prototypes of some of the most iconic aircraft from the 1950’s and also America’s first ICBM. This rare Zippo lighter is date coded as 1958. I backed the spring screw off, the spring is not broke and the wheel spins freely, nice axle. The pin head has some slight recent wear (wish I’d have found it first). The ARDC image is virtually undamaged and complete, there is wear to the exterior/interior as would be expected from use. The interior and exterior pat. Pending #’s match. I bought it quite recently from a thrift store, (more like saved it). It’s a great piece of vintage Americana with a very rare and awesome looking reference to the United States Air Force’s history. I’ve told you what I know of it, there were no other lighters or USAF related items, I looked. I’ve took the pictures in different lighting to show as much of the lighter as I could. I feel I have described the items as best as I can, any omissions are not intentional. The item “Zippo 1958 United States Air Force-Air Research & Development Command ARDC USAF” is in sale since Friday, September 28, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Tobacciana\Lighters\Zippo\Military”. The seller is “vintagekitkozy” and is located in Dover, Delaware. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States