Fake boxes come in many shapes and colors. Some show obvious differences, while others look very close to the original. Keep in mind that packaging can also vary slightly between production years and batches. In the photos below, both stethoscopes are genuine — one from an older batch and one from a newer batch.

The original pamphlet features sharp printing and vivid colors, while fakes often have poor print quality. The binding is another useful clue: original pamphlets are usually stapled, whereas fakes are often glued.

This is one of the most important points, and many differences only become clear once you compare the piece to a genuine one. Pay close attention to the overall finish, the assembly quality, and the printing on the chestpiece.

Fakes often have poorer finishing, especially around the bell — it may look like it is made of two separate parts, with a noticeable break in its smooth, round shape. On an original, the bell is perfectly rounded and seamless.

The eartips are another clue. Fake eartips are usually larger, have a wider opening, and show poorer finishing. Original eartips are smaller, neater, and better finished.

A serial number can help verify authenticity, but it is not foolproof — many counterfeits now carry serial numbers too. Sometimes the number reveals inconsistencies, such as a different stethoscope color or mismatched product information, but not always.

This remains the most important factor. As counterfeits become increasingly convincing, choosing a trusted seller is the safest way to make sure you receive a genuine Littmann stethoscope.