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original vintage British desk light Pifco heat lamp
Reference 16_2648

Retro British desk lamp

Era: 1950s Origin: UK

An original heat lamp by English manufacturers Pifco, now converted into a simple desk light. These style of lamps were once used for their healing and health-giving properties to treat a number of conditions through the use of ultra-violet or infra-red light.

front view of original vintage British desk light Pifco heat lamp
side view of polished aluminium original vintage British desk light Pifco heat lamp
vintage original steel base pico desk reading light
Retro British desk lamp on industrial sideboard
UK

Origin: UK

Lighting design in the UK benefitted from a free market. Different companies were working at the same time, designing and producing similar products for the same market. Often with only slight differences in their style, they constantly upgraded and improved their original designs. The products we salvage come from the old industrial heartland of England. This area of the UK was once the boiler room of the British economy - from the potteries of Stoke, through the engineering works of Birmingham, to the wool, textile and cotton mills of Oldham and Manchester.

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original pifco lighting images instruction manual

Restoration

At skinflint, the work we do is about respecting and preserving the heritage of each light find. Over the years, we have been lucky enough to salvage and restore many interesting examples of original heat lamps. Investing their history through the old catalogues in our internal archive, this extract is from a Pifco Infra-Red heat lamp instruction manual, dated 1950.

burgundy red braided twisted cable vintage lighting

Product details

The light is supplied tested and rewired with two metres of traditional twisted burgundy cable, a new bayonet (B22) lamp holder, inline switch, and a plug.

Diameter:
Height:
Weight:
Length:
Width:
Colour:

235 (shade) mm
390 mm
1.6 kg
n/a mm
n/a mm
Silver | Gun metal grey

Supplied tested to BS EN60598. IP20 for internal use only. All dimensions and weights are approximate.

Pifco

Manufacturer: Pifco

Pifco (Provincial Incandescent Fittings Co. Ltd) of Failsworth, Manchester were established in 1900 as manufacturers of lighting appliances and accessories. The company went on to purchase many smaller companies, and manufactured a wide range of electrical items including cookers, heaters and cycle lamps. Pifco is most remembered for its distinctive range of heat therapy lamps, predominantly for use within the home - heat therapy was a popular treatment for many ailments in the early to mid 20th century and, when converted, the beautifully designed lamps make wonderful modern desk lights.

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Light Bulbs

Why we recommend using energy-saving LED light bulbs in all of our vintage lights.

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Applications

Where our lights can be used internally and externally, including bathrooms and IP ratings.

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Certifications

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A quick word from our customers

Beautiful Light! 

I toyed with this light for ages before I bought it, thinking it was a lot of money. When I eventually ordered and received the light, I was not disappointed. I love this light, so heavy, chunky and in my eyes, gorgeous. It will look brilliant in my dining room, in my newly renovated farmhouse. 

- Tina | Cheshire | UK

Beautiful light

What a great light - we're really happy with it! Delivery time was really quick too. Will be purchasing other lights from you in due course.

- Dan | Wiltshire | UK

It’s been a pleasure working with you!

I’ve had a difficult time communicating with multiple European-based companies for different projects. skinflint were wonderful and extremely punctual, even with the time difference!

- Monique | USA | Commercial client

I love your vintage lights

Thank you skinflint for allowing me to add character to my espresso bar and work desk space! And thanks as well for the fabulous customer service.

- Nicholas | Colorado | US