See more objects with the color peru sienna rosybrown grey or see all the colors for this object.

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.

Our curators have highlighted 10 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Phonola Radio
  • bakelite (tm), metal.
  • Gift of George R. Kravis II.
  • 2018-22-79

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.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

For higher resolution or commercial use contact ArtResource.

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

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18648915/ |title=TS 502 Portable Radio Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=21 July 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>