1959 Braun TP 1 portable phonograph and transistor radio designed by Dieter Rams. The unit consists of the P 1 phonograph and the T 4 radio. The two devices slide into an anodized aluminum tray with a leather carrying handle. The TP 1 is a landmark of modern design and is considered one of the earliest examples of systems design in audio equipment. "The First Walkman" as Dieter Rams refers to it was notable for its portability, and the ingenious engineering that allowed a 45 RPM record to be played from the underside by a stylus that rises up from inside the unit.
TP 1's are incredibly hard to find, period, let alone in any sort of working condition. They were produced in very small quantities and were relatively fragile for a device meant to be carried (and inevitably dropped). This one is primarily suited for display use and has the usual condition issues for a 65-year-old piece of technology.
The P1 phonograph is functioning (motor and stylus assembly are working) but the sound quality is poor and could use refurbishing. The original rubber belt that drives the phonograph has warped with age, so the RPM is uneven and sounds a bit wobbly. The plastic case has a hairline crack on one corner. The 3.5mm cable that connects the phonograph to the radio is a reproduction and doesn't quite stay in place (a generic 3.5mm cable that fits will also be included). The T 4 radio also has a hairline crack on one corner, and what looks like an old repair to one of the other edges. The T 4 functions as a speaker for the phonograph, but does not tune in USA radio signals. The aluminum tray is in good condition with its Braun logo still partially visible, and the original leather handle is also in good condition with some minor cracking.
It's an exceedingly rare and important object of modern design history, and a great conversation piece. The TP 1 was hugely influential on Apple's product design systems, and it is also part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Even after 65 years it still looks like something from the future.
The transparent Beatles record shown in the photos will be included in the sale, just because it looks so cool with this unit. The phonograph is powered by four C batteries, the radio takes four AA's.
US BUYERS ONLY. I will not ship this internationally. Please contact me with any questions, thanks!