Pipistrello Lamp (Gae Aulenti): The Real Thing vs. the Replicas
The 1965 telescopic lamp by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce. Spotting a real one — base, diffuser, markings — against the dupes.
1 MIN · 2 OBJECTS IDENTIFIED“pipistrello dupe”, “pipistrello replica”: Gae Aulenti's little bat-lamp is copied everywhere. Here's how to recognise a genuine Martinelli Luce.
The original
Designed in 1965 by Gae Aulenti for Martinelli Luce: a lacquered aluminium base, a telescopic stem (height-adjustable), a methacrylate diffuser cut into wings.
Recognising a real one
The flared steel/aluminium base, heavy; the smooth telescopic mechanism; the quality opaline diffuser; the Martinelli Luce marking. Copies have a light base, a telescopic action that sticks, a yellowing plastic.
Sizes and colours
Available in several sizes and colours (white, black, and editions). A cheap fixed “Pipistrello” (non-telescopic) is a copy.
Spotted one in a window? Scan it on Beyit: original Martinelli or replica, and the budgets.
One photo, every piece identified.
Your room, a shop window, an inspiration screenshot: send the photo, we find the pieces and their alternatives at every price.
On iPhone, the app does the same from your camera.
The pieces, at your budget.
Every piece mentioned, with its alternatives — from vintage to dupe.
Gallery
4 images
