How to recognize a real pipistrello lamp?

The Pipistrello lamp is a real star of the 65-70s . Atypical, it has never been removed from the trend since its release to this day.

Created by designer and architect Gae Aulenti for an Italian firm, the Pipistrello lamp has, like all successful products, been plagiarized. How to recognize the original from the replicas? Details.

The Pipistrello lamp: An authentic design

This lamp model is recognizable by its unique design . Embodying the appearance of a Pipistrello, a small species of bat , the eponymous lamp is composed of a telescopic tulip-shaped metal base topped with a height-adjustable structure.

Wanting to give a touch of elegance to the Pipistrello lamp , the designer added divine curves. In total, this lamp of Italian origin weighs 12 kg. It is equipped with modern technology that allows you to adjust the intensity of your bulbs as you wish.

Thanks to its resin lampshade , the diffuse light is softer. Concerned about ecology, the Pipistrello lamp uses LED bulbs . The price of a real Pipistrello lamp is around € 600 to € 1000.

Details, a guarantee of authenticity

The Pipistrello lamp by Martienlli Luce has been copied both in its shape and in its colour. Since its characteristics are not complex, the reproduction is easier and simpler especially in terms of the light produced.

To recognize a real Pipistrello lamp, keep an eye on its certification . The Martinelli firm's imprint is engraved under the base of the lamp. The following details are inscribed there:

• The Martinelli logo
• The country of origin or origin
• The creation date is “1965”
• The signatures of the creators (Martinelli Luce and Gae Aulenti)
• The 620 brand
• The name of the model.

Large, well-known online stores such as La Redoute or Amazon sell authentic Pipistrello lamps along with other models from the same range and brand.

A replica Pipistrello lamp

Several outlets sell counterfeits of the famous Pipistrello lamp. Sometimes, you will have a hard time telling the difference between the copy and the original. This is the case with the pendant lamp. Wearing the same color as the original, the copy is an almost perfect replica of the original.

The difference will be noted later in efficiency and durability . Due to its mediocrity, the replica Pipistrello lamp will present defects after only a few uses. If the original has a methacrylate diffuser , the counterfeit is equipped with lower quality materials.

In terms of weight, the original Pipistrello is more robust and therefore weighs relatively more. The replica is probably cheaper (around €400), which may give you a clue. Most replica lamps are sold on unrecognized online merchant sites.

Internet users' opinions

One of the best ways to know the reliability and authenticity of a product is to consult the opinions of Internet users. These are expressed either on a forum site or on a merchant site.

Original, highly regarded and often counterfeit products are always the subject of criticism. It is in these negative reviews that you will discover the complaints of disappointed and/or dissatisfied users .

These reviews can serve as a guide for your next purchase. Sometimes, disappointed consumers will redirect you to reputable sites that sell authentic products.

The characteristics of an imitation Pipistrello lamp

If you still have trouble distinguishing the copy from the original of a Pipistrello lamp, have a sure eye that you will find on the copies. It is impossible to adjust the height of the base .

The bulbs used are not necessarily environmentally friendly and the lighting leaves something to be desired. The lamps are of poor quality, average or even bad, and sometimes they are in poor condition.

If you have a lot of lamps in stock, this one is not original. Even though the base is metal, it is not durable.

The fake Pipistrello lamp weighs less ( less than 10 kg ) and has a very attractive price. The color of the lamp is not specified.

Consumer reviews do not lie. Before purchasing your Pipistrello lamp, make a checklist of these criteria so that you can differentiate the original from the imitation.