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Object Timeline

-0001

1963

  • Work on this object began.

1994

  • We acquired this object.

2006

2007

2015

2016

2025

  • You found it!

TS 502 Portable Radio Radio

This is a radio. It was designed by Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso and manufactured by Brionvega, S.p.A.. It is dated 1963 and we acquired it in 1994. Its medium is plastic (abs), chrome-plated metal, electronic components. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

In 1964, the technology of battery-powered transistors gave designers Richard Sapper and Marco Zanuso an opportunity to rethink the radio. When its components are closed, the controls of the Brionvega are concealied within a sporty red box. (Design for Life, 1997-98)

This object was donated by Barbara G. Pine and Max Pine. It is credited Gift of Max and Barbara Pine.

  • Gilda Lamp
  • plastic, metal.
  • Gift of Anonymous Donor.
  • 1997-167-1

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Its dimensions are

H x W x D (open): 13 x 33 x 16.5 cm (5 1/8 x 13 x 6 1/2 in.) H x W x D (closed): 13 x 22.5 x 13 cm (5 1/8 x 8 7/8 x 5 1/8 in.)

It has the following markings

Molded on back of battery compartment door: "BRIONVEGA/ ts 502/ MADE IN ITALY"

Cite this object as

TS 502 Portable Radio Radio; Designed by Richard Sapper (German, 1932 - 2015), Marco Zanuso (Italian, 1916 – 2001); Manufactured by Brionvega, S.p.A. (Italy); Italy; plastic (abs), chrome-plated metal, electronic components; H x W x D (open): 13 x 33 x 16.5 cm (5 1/8 x 13 x 6 1/2 in.) H x W x D (closed): 13 x 22.5 x 13 cm (5 1/8 x 8 7/8 x 5 1/8 in.); Gift of Max and Barbara Pine; 1994-59-3

The Conservation department has taken one photo of this object.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18648915/ |title=TS 502 Portable Radio Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 July 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>