Portable transistor radio
Radio
1958 (made)
1958 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In 1958, the Tokyo Telecommunications Company adopted the name 'Sony'. This radio was launched in the same year, and was Sony's first major export. It represents an early stage in Sony's development of miniaturised audio equipment, following the production of the first pocket radio in 1957.
This simple design was very popular - Sony produced almost half a million sets in four different colours. Its slim, tapered shape fits comfortably into the hand, and the volume and tuning dials are both on the same side, allowing the radio to be easily operated with the thumb. The handle pivots can be folded away underneath the radio to minimise its size, or used as a stand for hands-free listening.
This simple design was very popular - Sony produced almost half a million sets in four different colours. Its slim, tapered shape fits comfortably into the hand, and the volume and tuning dials are both on the same side, allowing the radio to be easily operated with the thumb. The handle pivots can be folded away underneath the radio to minimise its size, or used as a stand for hands-free listening.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Titles |
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| Materials and techniques | Plastic and metal |
| Brief description | Portable transistor radio and case, Model TR 610, designed and manufactured by Sony, plastic and metal, 1958 |
| Physical description | A small, vertical hand held radio with a black case and inset circular speaker with branding and a tuning dial, and a handle that can be folded away underneath the radio. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Summary | In 1958, the Tokyo Telecommunications Company adopted the name 'Sony'. This radio was launched in the same year, and was Sony's first major export. It represents an early stage in Sony's development of miniaturised audio equipment, following the production of the first pocket radio in 1957. This simple design was very popular - Sony produced almost half a million sets in four different colours. Its slim, tapered shape fits comfortably into the hand, and the volume and tuning dials are both on the same side, allowing the radio to be easily operated with the thumb. The handle pivots can be folded away underneath the radio to minimise its size, or used as a stand for hands-free listening. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.21:&2-1992 |
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| Record created | February 8, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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