See more objects with the tag electronic, red, plastic, radio.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1940

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2021

2025

  • You found it!

Model 547 Radio Radio

This is a radio. It was designed by Livio Castiglioni, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and Luigi Caccia Dominioni and manufactured by Phonola. It is dated 1940. Its medium is bakelite (tm), metal. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

A round speaker and indicator dial rise diagonally from a rectangular base to create a radio that defies normal convention and echoes the pure, modernist lines that had entered the visual vocabulary for electronic items during this time period. The speaker points upward to confirm its ability to amplify and broadcast sound.

This object was donated by George R. Kravis II. It is credited Gift of George R. Kravis II.

  • Boalum Lamp
  • pvc plastic, metal.
  • Museum purchase from Decorative Arts Association Acquisition Fund.
  • 1991-47-8
  •

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Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 20 × 25 × 26.5 cm (7 7/8 × 9 13/16 × 10 7/16 in.)

It has the following markings

On black panel covering underside of chassis: [1] remnant of white paper label printed in black [illegible] Printed on panel in red: [2] P[partial]HONOLA / Radio [2] MILANO-S.A. [3] FIMI-SA[partial]RONNO [4] MODELLO 547 Impressed on white plastic(?) part visible through opening in panel: [5] 120 140 160 220

Cite this object as

Model 547 Radio Radio; Designed by Livio Castiglioni (Italian, 1911–1979), Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (Italian, 1913–1968), Luigi Caccia Dominioni (Italian, b. 1913); Manufactured by Phonola; bakelite (tm), metal; H x W x D: 20 × 25 × 26.5 cm (7 7/8 × 9 13/16 × 10 7/16 in.); Gift of George R. Kravis II; 2018-22-79

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Energizing the Everyday: Gifts From the George R. Kravis II Collection.

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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://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/420556865/ |title=Model 547 Radio Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>