How to Recognize a Real Pipistrello Lamp?

The Pipistrello lamp is a true star of the '65-'70 era. Unconventional, it has never gone out of style since its release to this day.

Created by the designer and architect Gae Aulenti for an Italian firm, the Pipistrello lamp, like all successful products, has been copied. How can you tell the original from the replicas? Here are the details.

The Pipistrello lamp: an authentic design

This model of lamp is recognizable by its unique design. Embodying the look of a pipistrelle, a small species of bat, the lamp of the same name consists of a telescopic tulip-shaped metal base topped by a height-adjustable structure.

Wanting to give the Pipistrello lamp a touch of elegance, the designer added divine curves to it. All in all, this lamp of Italian origin weighs 12 kg. It features modern technology that lets you adjust the intensity of your bulbs as you wish.

Thanks to its resin shade, the diffused light is softer. Mindful of the environment, the Pipistrello lamp uses LED bulbs. The price of a real Pipistrello lamp is approximately between 600 and 1000 €.

The details that guarantee authenticity

The Pipistrello lamp by Martienlli Luce has been copied in both its shape and its color. Since its characteristics are not complex, reproduction is easier and simpler, particularly as regards the light produced.

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

• The Martinelli logo
• The country of origin or the origin
• The creation date, "1965"
• The signatures of the creators (Martinelli Luce and Gae Aulenti)
• The 620 mark
• The name of the model.

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

A replica Pipistrello lamp

Several retailers sell counterfeits of the famous Pipistrello lamp. Sometimes you will have trouble telling that the copy is identical to the original. This is the case with the pendant lamp. Coming in the same color as the original, the copy is a near-perfect replica of the original.

The difference will then show in efficiency and durability. Because of its poor quality, the replica Pipistrello lamp will show defects after only a few uses. While the original has a methacrylate diffuser, the counterfeit is fitted with lower-quality materials.

As for weight, the original Pipistrello is sturdier and therefore relatively heavier. The replica is surely cheaper (around 400 €), which may raise a red flag for you. Most replica lamps are sold on unrecognized online shopping sites.

What online reviewers say

One of the best ways to judge the reliability and authenticity of a product is to read online reviews. Reviewers weigh in either on a forum site or on a retail site.

Original products, which are highly appreciated and often counterfeited too much, are always the subject of criticism. In these negative reviews you will find the complaints of users who are disappointed and/or dissatisfied.

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

The characteristics of an imitation Pipistrello lamp

If you still have trouble telling the copy from the original of a Pipistrello lamp, keep an eye out for the one thing you are certain to find on copies. It is impossible to adjust the height of the base.

The bulbs used are not necessarily eco-friendly and the lighting leaves much to be desired. The lamps are of average to poor quality, and sometimes they are in poor condition.

If you have many lamps in stock, this one is not original. Even if the base is made of metal, it is not durable.

The fake Pipistrello lamp weighs less (under 10 kg) and shows a very tempting price. The color of the lamp is not specified.

Consumer reviews do not lie. Before buying your Pipistrello lamp, go through a checklist of these criteria so that you can tell the original from the imitation.