Jfk Commemorative Lighter Appraisal

Vintage John F. Kennedy Commemorative Lighter Keychain

This is a vintage miniaturized flip-top 'Zippo-style' lighter attached to a keychain, featuring a relief profile of President John F. Kennedy. The item is rectangular in shape, constructed from an unidentified base metal, likely a zinc alloy or steel, with a matte silver-toned finish. Centered on the front face is a circular brass-toned medallion featuring a high-relief bust of JFK, encircled by text that appears to commemorate his presidency (1917-1963). The lighter is equipped with a functional hinge on the left side and a small brass-eyelet ventilation or attachment hole at the top right. A standard split-ring keychain is attached via a short length of curb-link chain. Regarding condition, the metal shows significant signs of age-related wear, including surface pitting, localized oxidation, and loss of the original finish particularly at the edges. The patina is uneven, suggesting regular use or exposure to humidity. The craftsmanship is indicative of mid-20th-century mass-produced political memorabilia, likely manufactured shortly after 1963 during the peak of the Kennedy commemorative era. No specific maker's marks are visible on the exterior casing, but such items were common imports during the 1960s.