Smokeking Store – Vintage Lighters

Cleaning brass lighters - patina or polish?

Got a 1950s brass Zippo with beautiful natural patina. My wife thinks it looks dirty and wants me to polish it. What's the collector's view - keep the patina or polish to shine?

Jan 15, 2026 08:15 337 views

5 Replies

deepak_imco

From a collector's perspective, original patina adds value. Polishing actually decreases collectible worth.

Jan 16, 2026 23:17

sanjay_flame

I made the mistake of polishing a vintage piece once. Regretted it immediately. The patina never came back right.

Jan 18, 2026 23:29

pooja_vintage

KEEP THE PATINA! It's part of the history and character. Polishing removes decades of natural aging.

Jan 19, 2026 20:03

priya_flames

If you must clean, just warm soap and water. Removes dirt but preserves the patina.

Jan 21, 2026 08:13

meera_pune

The patina protects the brass actually. Polishing exposes fresh metal that tarnishes faster.

Jan 22, 2026 22:06

Please log in to reply to this thread.