The Zippo Constantine is one of hundreds of beautiful, custom-designed lighters made by the Zippo Manufacturing Company in its 77-year history. The Zippo Company has made custom lighter cases representing thousands of different themes over the years. Some of the themes have been Hollywood celebrities, sports, animals, musicians, bands, military heroes, military insignia, good luck signs, funny sayings, and promotional lighters for individual businesses. All of these cases and many, many more have adorned the more than 400,000,000 Zippo lighters sold since 1933.
The Zippo Constantine lighter got its name because the lighter case is made in the style of Byzantine art from the time of Emperor Constantine. The case is available in four different types of metal: brass, silver, copper and gold leaf. It is covered in an intricate design that mimics detailed carved filigree combined with the religious themes common to Byzantine art.
The Zippo Constantine case is a replica of the Saint Benedict medallion. Saint Benedict was the founder of the Benedictine order of monks. He created the Rule of Benedict, which was a treatise not only on the correct way to live spiritually as a monk, but also on the correct way to live within a religious community and how religious communities should live with the outside secular community. These monks were known for their simple and pious lifestyle. Their example of simple devotion, hard work in the fields, and the practice of sharing the virtues of education in the arts and sciences won them many followers. Long before the Reformation led by Martin Luther, the Benedictines lived in autonomous communities and recognized a single monastic leader, the Pope.
There is an interesting aspect to the Saint Benedict medallion and thus to the Zippo Constantine. Although beautifully elegant, especially when presented in gold or copper, its message is very simple.
One side of the lighter case features an image of Saint Benedict with a shepherd’s crook. This painting represents him as a simple shepherd who takes care of his flock. He emphasizes his belief in and devotion to an uncomplicated, non-material way of life. The other side of the Zippo Constantine lighter has an elaborately engraved cross. The cross has a circle around it. Letters in a script style reminiscent of Byzantine art cover the circle and cross. The letters represent the initial letters of Latin words. The words of the four Latin phrases identify the cross and present the Benedictine philosophy clearly and succinctly.
The four sentences are:
• Crux Sancti Patris Benito – Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.
• Crux Santa Sit Mihi Lux – May the Holy Cross be my light.
• Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux – Don’t let the Dragon be my guide
• Vade Retro, Satana. Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana; Sunt Mala Quae Libas; Ipse Venena Bibas – Go away, Satan, and do not suggest your vain things to me; the Cup you offer me is bad; drink your poison
The medallion and lighter make the simple mandate that all people must follow the precepts of the Christian Church and not be seduced by the tricks and attractive vanities of the devil. The Zippo Constantine is not only a high-quality gem-shaped lighter, but also a simple guide to life in elegant gold filigree.
