In Southeast Asia I anticipate purchasing multiple, old Zippo lighters to bring to the United States. I've attempted this previously but the lighters disappeared from my checked luggage in either Singapore or Narita. I assume they were confiscated due to regulations. The lighters had no fuel in them but did have a working flint.
Is there a way I can bring old and serviceable but defueled Zippo lighters to the United States from Southeast Asia when travelling by air?
If cannot bring them with personal air travel are there alternates means to get them to the United States.