Bronzy Carved Constantine Antique Style Lift Arm Oil Petrol Lighter by Zorro

Q: What does the middle symbol mean?

The Cross Meanings, representing the Medal of St. Benedict (founder of the Benedictine monks):Centre of Cross:C.S.S.M.L. means Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (English: May the holy cross be my light)N.D.S.M.D. means Nunquam Draco Sit Mihi Dux (English: May the dragon never be my guide)C.S.P.B. means Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (English: The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict)Right side of Cross Circle:V.R.S.N.S.M.V. means Vade Retro Satana Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (English: Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!)Left side of Cross Circle:S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. means Sunt Mala Quae Libas Ipse Venena Bibas (English: What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!) Top of the Cross Circle:PAX means “PEACE” and was the motto of the Congregation of Cassino and of the entire Benedictine Order.

Q: What do the designs represent?

It is the seal of St Benedict and the letter represent a latin exorcism. It translates roughly to “May the holy cross be my light. May the dragon never lead me. Get back satan. Do not show me your vanities. What you show me is evil. Drink your poison yourself.”

Q: does it use zippo flints wicks and fuel?

Yes. Zippo Flintstone and fuel is the best. Work very well

Q: Being made of copper, will it rust if contacted with water? Or lose coloring?

I got this lighter mostly for display, so it isn't used much. It has been sitting for months and is as bright and shiny as the day it was delivered. It has a smooth, shiny, transparent protective coating that seems to repel water. My guess is it will continue to display its fine finish for a reasonable time if well-maintained. Will it last 5, 10, 25 or a hundred years? I don't know. But at this price point, a year or two of useful life is all I can reasonably expect. Everything eventually wears out. I'm reminded of this by my creaking knees when I get out of bed every morning.