If you want a reissued one of these new, you'll be paying £606 for it. But this original 1960s Serpente table lamp by Elio Martinelli is on eBay for much, much less – and so far, with no bids.
The lamp was designed in 1965 for Martinelli Luce and is a bona fide space age classic, hence why this snake-light is still available in reissued form over 40 years on (and why we featured it back in 2007). The seller claims this is an original, with official branding on thew rear and in working condition, complete with its original bakelite on/off switch. Just screw in a 60w bulb and you're away.
As for condition, the seller says there are 'a few marks to white paint through use' and the 'odd scratch', but 'nothing to spoil its appearance'. So on the face of it, not a bad example. It's also up for £19.99 and yet to pick up a bid.
